Do YOU want to Enlist but b/c of WLS you can't?

Hi all.  I asked a question yesterday about joing the Army and got an array of responses.  All of which were GREAT!  I DID talk to a recruiter for the Army National Guard Friday Morning and was finally given the news this afternoon about noon.  At first I was upset, then I was MAD and now I am LIVID!!!!  I know at least 3 of the posters on my previous thread expressed an interest in enlisting in whatever branch.  Me the Army because of age.  And I researched the Army Medical Standards which were last updated FEB of 2005 and it was thrown in as an afterthought!   I know there are many who believe that I am on some kind of "special" diet and that this would in some way hinder me.  BUT I AM NOT!  I am 3 yrs post op, at my goal weight and aside from issues with gall bladder in the 1st 30 days out I have had no major issues.  One poster on previous thread stated that if you are in and have it its ok, because you are already trained and have all of that under your belt and the military does not want to spend money to train us "IN CASE".  Well I am not BUYING that BS.  EVERY individual that joins is a risk.  EVERY ONE!!!  Whether a flight risk, a injury or some one looses it, there are always risks.  Every employer including the military goes through this.  Spending time and money to train individuals who may or may not make the cut.  I am pissed that some entity that has not a clue of what I can do is not at least willing to talk to me and hear what I have to say.  Especially when the recruit #'s are so low.  When every person willing and able should be given the oppurtunity to serve thier Country! I am willing to walk away from my job, my husband, my comfortable life and DEFEND this GREAT NATION and I am really ticked that I, because I made a decision to take control of my weight and my life 3 yrs ago, albiet considered drastic, now I can't do WHAT I wanted to do 21 yrs ago but was too Overweight to do!  Would they have let me join at 330lbs, well HELL NO!  But now I have a smaller damn stomach and I can't.  My basic comment is this! IF YOU COULD GET A WAIVER WOULD YOU JOIN!   RIGHT NOW!!??   I ask because, BY GOD I am not taking this laying DOWN!  I want to fight beside my Country MEN and WOMEN for my COUNTRY and I am willing to put a little Bee in the Big Militaries Bonnet to do SO!  Would you do it too?   On my previous thread a responder stated the increase in militaries medical waivers would cover say an old Knee Surgery!  HMMMM!  Interestingly enough, my "little" Stomach would not suddenly give out on me if running in BCT or AIT or in the Sand, or mountains or out the door for Gods sake.  I am pissed that they can take THAT RISK but not one on ME!   I have this special diet,that is very damn laughable, let's see............................. I ate scrambled eggs and toast this morning with coffee, then for lunch I had Chinese, a little of several items!  and for dinner taco salad.  Damn I am alot more different then all the non WLS's out there huh!  Oh yeah, I had some Ritz crackers, 5 to be exact for a mid afternoon snack.  DAMN ME for being so different!  Oops I forgot I had Unsweet tea all day too!  If you are interested in stirring up enough of a voice to maybe get the Disqualifier changed, or given a case by case review, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE contact me.  I have several friends already on it!  I am gonna get a MEPS Dr to review my case and I am gonna get someone to sit up and take notice that just BECAUSE I don't eat as much as they do, that I can STILL FIGHT FOR MY COUNTRY!!!! I am not a QUITER, never have BEEN and I am not about to START NOW!  If you are serious and want to make the BEE bigger and stronger PLEASE contact me.  First I am teased and discriminated on because I was Obese and NOW because I did something about IT I am being discrimated against.  Military does not want to spend money to train me in case, well last damn time I checked EVERY working individual was footing the bill and I want my small portion put to work for ME! I appreciate all responses but please contact me personally if you feel the same.  One person can't change much but 2+ can damn sure get them to take notice! Thanks for listening, reading and supporting!   Angie ps.  I posted this exact post on the main message board but I know not everyone visits there.  I am in Meridian. MS

Hi Angie,

I am an old soldier (staff sergeant) who served 10 years in the Army.  I understand your frustration.  My sister was also turned down for (get this) PMS.  I am serious.  If you state that you suffer from severe PMS you can be medically denied entry.  I know there is an appeals process available to you.  One person can make a difference!  You will need documented facts and at least one doctor who is willing to write a letter in your behalf.  I did my sister's appeal and she was waivered and able to enlist!  Since gastric bypass is so common now (150,000 performed in the US annually), coupled with all of the ailments it cures... may make a difference.

However, bear in mind that the Army will argue that this is wartime.  The Army works as a team and others lives will depend on you and your ability to stay strong and react in a timely manner.  I guarantee you they will argue that it is because of your limited intake of food that you may not be strong enough to react quickly under extreme conditions.  Therefore endangering your life as well as the lives of others.  This coupled with your age will make it difficult to get a waiver.  You will have to prove otherwise to a medical review board.  Trust me they want dedicated motivated soldiers.  But they will not risk the lives of others for it.

I pray this information is helpful in your appeals process.

Diane

Diane, THANK YOU!  I am so glad you responded.  You have a valid point about the intake of food.  And did not tell me I was on a "special" diet.  THANK YOU for THAT!  I see your point, however my limited my intake of food, lets  be honest, I do not see how I would fatique any quicker when my body now requires 'less' to sustain.  It is valuable point, and I appreciate it.   The Army will argue its WARTIME and I will argue, that they NEED RECRUITS!  Ready Willing and Able recruits.  My intake of food would not be near as risky as say allowing someone who had a knee surgery 10 yrs ago and can pass BCT and any PT, then suddenly for no reason have that aforementioned Good strong Knee go out while doing any number of things that could put themselves or another at risk of injury or death.  As far as AGE, hey they raised the limit, not me.  They honestly believe there are thousands of 30 somethings or 40 yr olds for that matter without ONE SINGLE disqualifier?  I am determined to at least have someone look into it more realistically.  And I have 2 Dr's that know I am healthy and would have no problem writing letters, of this I am sure. Thanks for your input!  Greatly appreciated! Angie

Hey Angie,   The best place to start the process is with your state senator or congressman. They can exert a lot of pressure abd the service hates it when they get congressional inquiring abour a situation. Good Luck  Howard NC

step.away.from.the.gun.

I asked this question to one of my best friends who happens to be  a Major in the USMC.  The reason you are denied is not because of the "special diet", it is the required daily vitamin and mineral supplements you are REQUIRED to take.  The military can not guarantee that they would be available in a combat situation.  I appreciate your willingness to defend my freedom but that reason does make sense to me.