I am also 53 and am an avid weightlifter and compete in bench press meets. I had my surgery at Cleveland Clinic and my doctor has never discussed the possibility of my pouch rupturing and he is aware of my weightlifting. Do you know if there could be anything that could predispose someone to the risk of rupturing their pouch or if everyone is at the same risk. I have been lifting heavy for two and a half years with my pouch with no problems and my follow up exams and scopes have not shown any problems.