Feeling too old to be here...

In looking at people's ages it seems I'm an oldie - 38.  Is there anyone else in my age range?  It's frustrating because never in a million years did I think that when I was 18 y.o. and first struggling with anorexia did I ever think I would still be working on gaining weight (even after giving birth to 3 healthy babies).  I guess I want to know if there are others still working at this older age on this.  It's also pertinent in that the weight and calorie goals/suggestions on here may not be applicable - maybe I'm wrong, just a theory. 

Hi, I am 29yrs old and a mother of 2 and currently recovering from an eating disorder.  I often wonder myself about the caloric estimates they give on the site, as well.  I feel like my metabolism has slowed down due to age.  I read posts where people have a hard time gaining if they eat under 3000 calories a day and age is the only thing I can think of that may differ between me and the 3000+ calories to gain person (I gain on 2000/day)

That being said, I use the suggested calories on this site as a guide.  I eat x- amount of calories for a week and then at the end of the week, I weigh myself and see how my body reacts.  Then I just tweak it where it needs to be tweaked :)

Best of luck in your weight gaining!

I'm 29 as well (turning 30 in just two months - ahhh) and I am having the same types of questions. However, I do have a nutrtionist and she has put me on a 2600 calorie a day diet to gain some weight, so...who knows. She's also said that I am going to have to maintain on not much less than that once I get up to my goal weight. Maybe, if you have a nutritionist, ask them about calorie intake for weight gain based on your lifestyle...or even your doctor?

There are all ages here -- from the very young (13), to the very mature (70+).  You just need to look around.  Although it may sometimes appear that way, not everyone in the weight gain forum is 13-18.

The tools on the site are designed for adults 18+ (although many 18 year olds should use the teen calculators), so you should be able to find what you need.  Good luck!

I'm 38 too!  But I've certainly never had a problem gaining weight.  I'm an expert at that.

 

Okay, so I never post in the weight gain forum, but I still like to think we are all one big community - we just happen to be facing different challenges.

I've lost 100 lbs over 2 1/2 years - I'm pretty much at my goal weight now.

I don't know if this will be of any comfort, but first of all, you have survived this long - which means you must be doing something right, because a lot of anorexics don't.

You also have a lot to live for.

Finally, looking at my elders, I've noticed that for the most part, the older they get, the more at peace they seem to become with themselves.  I like to think that as time goes on, I'm gaining layer upon layer of wisdom, too , and the things that freaked me out all the time just a few years ago, don't get to me nearly as much now.

I guess I'm just trying to say that you are okay, just the way you are - and along with the rest of us, you're on this constant quest for self-improvement.  It's slow and laborious, but you're doing good.  The fact that you are here says a lot about your commitment to be healthier.

I'm 37, so you are not too old to be here!  I like to think that maybe I can offer insight to some of the younger posters here who are in "ed mode" and show them that they do not have to be that way for the rest of their lives.  (I was bulimic in high school.)  Yes, it is a battle and a temptation they may struggle with for many years (I still do!), but with support and perseverance they can be successful at beating those obstacles.  Whether we are here to gain, lose, or maintain, we are all here for each other; regardless of age!

You're just a kid.  I'm 60 years old and it is definately hard to do this.

Thanks for the reassurances.  I just feel like I've had this darn thing forever and all of a sudden I realized I'm in that older age group now (I don't feel old, still feel like I'm college aged!).  I will discuss with my nutritionist my concerns regarding calorie requirements at different ages.  She told me I need 2000 to maintain and 500 above that to gain but I'm just staying around 2000 at this point to see where my body goes (I hadn't eaten 2000 in quite a while prior to about a month ago).  If I don't gain I will be upping it.

Thanks again.

I know you are really saying that you feel too old to be on the weight gain forum but I just wanted to say that I, too, am 38 and don't you ever say you are an oldie again :)! 

I just told my friend the other day that I feel like my life (MY life that is) is just beginning because my children are at the age where they are more independant, I'm finishing school and starting a new career soon. 

Bless you on your journey to health - you have a lot of time left to enjoy this life.  In fact, you might just be getting started, like me!!!

You are definitely not too old - I'm 29 and felt the same way as you... how can I be still working on these issues of needing to gain weight?!  I too struggled with anorexia but am ready to push through much like yourself.  I do agree with some of the postings above, that you should tailor your required caloric intake to your personal needs - i.e. you may gain faster or slower than others.  The way I look at it, no matter your age, each persons body reacts differently. Your doing the right thing by "experimenting" with how your body responds to various calorie levels.  If you are still not seeing results and the calorie intake gets too much maybe you should consider altering your exercise regime.  Adding strength training to your routine and decreasing your cardio may help - in addition to the calories of course.  Muscle adds healthy weight and I've been told is the best way to make the weight "stick".

Good luck!!  Remember, you are not alone... we're all here with you!