Question:
Please help! I am trying to enlist in the ARMY truthfully admitting my surgery.

I saw a post a few days ago about someone lying to get in the military. I believe that this surgery has helped me to become a healthier person and I want to join the military now. My recruiter is not sure I will be able to since the surgery. If anyone knows of anyone who has had WLS and then enlisted, please contact me. Also, if you could ask your support group and others at the Dr's office if they know of anyone, please do. It could help me have a better chance of getting in. Thanks!    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on July 29, 2002)

July 30, 2002
The airforce has always been my dream. I'm to old now, but even if I was'nt I would never do it now. Please don't even think of the military after WLS. You will not be able to go long periods without food and water as I imagine you would have to. And I keep haviing miscellaneous health problems due to WLS. I don't think you will ever be able to do it after WLS. Whatever you do DO NOT LIE ABOUT WLS when it comes to the military. Your life could depend on it.
   — Danmark

July 30, 2002
I dont think that you should be discriminated against because of your surgery.... If I was adamant about joining the military and I was denied because of my WLS, I'd sue. I am "normal"... Unless they planned on feeding me fried chicked everyday topped with ice cream, I'd do just fine. I think that they probably refuse out of ignorance. If I don't eat for a period of time, I get hungry, like the rest of the world. I rarely get a bout of low blood sugar, but I know plenty of people that do; that haven't had WLS. Angie, if you really want it, you push it. Call a lawyer if you have to. My sister just joined the NYPD... 31 y/o single mother who had WLS; nothing is stopping her. And nothing would stop me either! Let me know what happens
   — Jeannet

July 30, 2002
I dont think that you should be discriminated against because of your surgery.... If I was adamant about joining the military and I was denied because of my WLS, I'd sue. I am "normal"... Unless they planned on feeding me fried chicked everyday topped with ice cream, I'd do just fine. I think that they probably refuse out of ignorance. If I don't eat for a period of time, I get hungry, like the rest of the world. I rarely get a bout of low blood sugar, but I know plenty of people that do; that haven't had WLS. Angie, if you really want it, you push it. Call a lawyer if you have to. My sister just joined the NYPD... 31 y/o single mother who had WLS; nothing is stopping her. And nothing would stop me either! Let me know what happens
   — Jeannet

July 30, 2002
I was in the Army back in my skinny days. I wound up doing boot camp twice since I made it to week 5 and then got hospitalized for a few weeks and missed my graudation. So they recycled me. I was thin and in relatively good shape, never an athlete but loved to walk and ride bikes and stuff. But basic was hard time, baby!!! There is nothing easy about it if you're going to do it right and I know I was eating like 2-3 hamburgers and bunches of other foods and drinking like there's no tomorrow just to have the energy and because I was STARVED. I ate all the time when I had the chance and still came out 25 pounds lighter and of course a bunch of weight shifted to muscle so the weight loss had to be more. I don't want to cut you down but if the military won't let you in, it's only in your best interests, not out of ignorance. It's about health. (Sounds as though the military is now performing the WLS surgery on dependents --- I thought I heard that somewhere --- so they would know what the surgery is about and accept it if it's true.) Perhaps you should talk to the recruiter about other organizations you could join that may accept you if you can't get in when telling the truth about your WLS. Great luck! Nelly
   — Nell C.

July 30, 2002
Hi Angie, My husband has been a recruiter, and now works at the command. The military wont take you because the surgery modifies you and prevents you from being world wide assignable. You can tell them about it and ask for a waiver which may or may not be approved. They do physicals and ask about every scar or mark on your body. If you lie about and they find out you can be kicked out for fradualent enlistment. Best of luck to you Tish
   — Tisha W.