Question:
What to hear from those who join the Militery after WLS

I'm also a year out. I'm thinking about joining the Army. I want to hear from those if any joined after WLS. I had Lap gastric and it will be a year in April. I have lost 153 pounds and now weigh 150 pounds. Your input would be great. Thanks    — sarah C. (posted on March 27, 2003)

March 26, 2003
This is a good question. I am too old to join the army, but I always wanted to. I would actually like to be a police officer, but am afraid that my age (32) won't allow. I hope you can still fullfill your dream.
   — Beffy W.

March 26, 2003
Sorry to tell you others have stated WLS will keep them from becoming a member. You might call a local recruiter and ask. Appears a issue of edical care in combat.
   — bob-haller

March 26, 2003
Hiya :). I commend you for wanting to join up! The bad news though is that you won't be able to due to having WLS. Once you've had a stomach altering operation, you become ineligible. One of the reasons for this is that if you are engaged in combat, you may not always be able to get in your water because you won't be able to carry around a water bottle and drink from it all day. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news :(. I'd still check with a recruiter though and see what, if any, exceptions can be made, or what alternatives you have if this is something you have your heart set on!
   — SuzAnne S.

March 26, 2003
You will not be "World Wide Ready." To be WWR you have to be able to be sent to any area in the world and be fully functioning. The military requires you to go long periods of time without food then eating a high calorie meal and eating it quickly. <p> I think the military should reconsider their policy since many positions are office desk jockeys - like personel etc... Oh well.. <p> Take Care, Be Well, Be Happy!
   — John T.

March 27, 2003
My boyfriend is a sargeant in the Army & you can not join after this type of surgery. Anyone joining the armed forces gets an extensive physical over all medical conditions. Even a slight curve in the spine would make someone ineligible. He was a recruiter for 4 of the 16 years he has been in & ran into people that had WLS & could not go.
   — kary1026

March 27, 2003
I was trying to get back in after having this surgery. I went through the physical and was asked extensive question about my surgery. I was given a regulation ( I wish I knew the regulation) that stated that after having that type of surgery you would be ineliglbe to return to service.
   — Sharon T.

March 27, 2003
As a female, you probally would'nt be in combat but I would'nt think it would be safe even in boot camp. I know I don't really feel that well since WLS and it has been almost 23 months for me. My arthritus is worse, and I'm having alot of other health problems now. (Personally I'm doubting that WLS is safe as I go from one problem to another). I can not stand my cats on my lap anymore. (They are broken hearted and don't know why I'm rejecting them). Just the slightest presure hurts anywhere in the abdominal area. I could'nt imagine being in a combat situation that I could defend myself with this weak area of my body vulnerable. And as others have said about the water and eating issues. We are not "whole" people anymore. Our bodies have been altertured and things can and sometimes do go wrong. Anyway, as a female, things may be different for you. Perhaps it will not matter, but imho it is'nt safe even for women. But I hope you will not lie about this to your recrutor. After all, "IF" it is'nt safe, would you want to push it? Only you can say for sure.
   — Danmark

March 29, 2003
I dont think you can join after wls But it is a scary thought that you would. My little brother joined last Aug. and he didn't live through basic training. He was A healthly 18yr old kid. During thier 4a.m. 3.5 mile run he had a heat stroke do to dehdrastion. fought for his life for three weeks before he passed away. His body gave up on him. So thats why it is a scary thought for me. If a normal heathly kid can die from lack of water can you imagine what it could do to a person who had wls. In memory of- Private Raymond J LaFlash- 10/13/02 (he is very missed.) God Bless
   — Eliza L.

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