Am I Too Old (53)? Also, Grazers vs Bingers

vamaid · June 19, 2005

I know bariatric surgery is performed on some older adults, but is there an age at which doctors consider you at increased risk? I read somewhere that after age 55 surgery increases quality of life but not length of life. Would love to hear comments from older forum members. Also, what if I'm a grazer (eat smaller amounts more times a day) rather than a binger (eat large amounts at one sitting)? Does that mean the restriction aspect of lap band may not be as successful for me? My overweight is due more to poor food choices and a sedentary lifestyle rather than overeating. Thanks to all of you experts for helping a rookie.

Rae · June 19, 2005

My surgeon says 65 years old but says he does lots of tests on older people to decide. My Mom is 74 and he said he would test her and if all was well he would band her.

HarleyNana · June 19, 2005

My mom is 73 and was banded April 7th this year. She just got her 2nd fill. Good luck!

the best me · June 19, 2005

I have been considering the grazing/bingeing thing for a week or two, now. When I graze, it tends to be junk. When I eat well and healthy, it's usually a huge meal. I have come to the conclusion that if I eat 2 good meals a day (lunch and dinner), a small Breakfast (I'm talking a bowl of shredded wheat with a bit of milk or a CIB (Carnation Instant Breakfast) or a Boost as small), then maybe a snack in the afternoon, I am making much better food choices.

The sheer reality of only being able to eat but so much changes the eating dynamic pre- and post-band. The need to stress eat doesn't change much, but that has nothing to do with hunger.

Just some thoughts. Good luck to you!