Old Age With Band

[GLove 44]

When you were considering the band, did any of your thoughts/consideration go to when you are 60, 70, 80 yrs old and how life would be with the band?

[elcee 3,340]

Well lets put it this way. There are a couple of possibilities.

1. I could be 80 my band could be still working fine and not causing me problems.

2. By the time I reach 80 ( in 30+ years time) they have come up with a new , more effective , easier way of losing and maintaining weight so I opted to have my band removed and go with the new method. A choice that I would not have had I gone for a bypass or sleeve initially.

3. My band is causing me problems because I am old and gaga and can't remember to chew properly. Again I have the choice of having my band removed or I might just get it completely unfilled.

4. My band is still working fine but I have no teeth so i am existing on slider foods and gaining weight.

I don't see what the issue is. At least there are still choices which is not true with some of the other surgeries.For example what if I got to 80 with a bypass and ended up malnourished because I was unable to eat enough and absorb enough for my bodies needs.

It is even possible that in this time frame my band may have to be replaced, possibly more than once. Again I don't see this as an issue. Knee replacement, hip replacements, prosthetic limbs,transplanted organs also all have a certain lifespan and then they too need to be replaced.

[GLove 44]

Oh Elcee, you are such a voice of wisdom. i love when you reply to a post!!!! Thank you!

[Gingermo 1]

Great answer! Thats why I chose the band. I like having options. You never know what they will come up with in the future.

[Jachut 487]

I would, have said exactly what Elcee did.

[Grider 92]

58 here, if it last 10 yrs after that who knows- maybe not need it any more, my body and mind should have adjusted to the new life change.

[B-52 7,113]

I got banded at the age of 59. I am now 60, and feel like 40!

If I did not get banded, I would never see 65, let alone 70 and beyond.

Dr.s words, not mine.

[GLove 44]

I hear ya B52. Im 57 and beginning to have obesity related issues. Just told I have peripheral nueropathy and diabetes is knocking at my door. Dont have it yet, but the numbers are getting there. Just 5 yrs ago I was so active and the weight is really slowing me down these days where Im not exercising like I used to.

[xavier 153]

No comorbs so I had to self pay...but I got my band so I would live long enough to be elderly! I guess if I needed more calories when I'm old they just unfil it..not really sure what you are asking?

[Humming Bird 275]

If I didn't get the band I don't think I would have ever reached old age. I still may not, but my chances are better now without over 100 pounds of extra weight taking me down.

[LarraineM 6]

Yes ,of course I hope that having the band will help me live to be 70,80 or 100. At my pre band weight I was literally ensureing my early death.I now have hopes of living healthier than any other time in my life.

I am a baby boomer and the prediction is that half of us will live to be a healthy 100

[GLove 44]

Thank you everyone. I guess the point of my question was about dealing with the band long term and not just the immediate rewards of weight loss in the first 1-2 yrs. Example, being 70+ and still dealing with being stuck and all the restricted foods. But I guess when you reach goal you can have it unfilled and life goes on and the only difference is you have this band inside you. Several of you brought the point home that we are doing this to ensure we reach our senior years, happy and healthy. Point well taken. It reminded me this is exactly why Im having the surgery. Thank you.

[Humming Bird 275]

I reached my goal quite some time ago and would not want to ever have an unfill. That would make be head back toward obesity.

[Jachut 487]

It is highly unlikely you will be able to unfill it when you reach goal. It doesnt work that way. You will still need restriction to msintain your weight. If you ave to unfill your band at any point, you will be surprised to find you really havent changed lije you think. I ad mine empty for most of last year after six years of great success. I didnt gain but its the hardest thing ive ever done! All the old appetite came right back! That is why, statistically, almost everyone who unfills or loses their band gains all their weight back. You need to understand that successful banding - and some degree of restriction - is forever.

[54Shirley 105]

I'm 57, and I'll have to say I guess I feel about 35, because if I were to tell you I feel like 21 you wouldn't believe me !

But,,,,,,, I do. .

So,,, I guess I'll wait a few more years, and see what 60 feels like, and what I feel like.

If your still on this site in 3 years,,, I'll let you know....

Shirley.