Question:
Can you join the military/guard/reserves after WLS?

I did look this question up..but I'm not sure how old the answers where..also..im hoping someone out there has done this.. i want to join more than anything right now.. so..im not lookin for negatives here..please.. anything that may help me to do this would be appreciated..thanks    — johanna F. (posted on July 7, 2003)

July 7, 2003
I heard that once you have WLS you are not longer considered World Wide Ready which makes you not able to join. HOWEVER, when I had mine done 7 weeks ago, there was a man who is already in the Army who was having it done and paid for by the Army...so, you never. Good luck!
   — Tami H.

July 7, 2003
You could always call your local recruiting office and ask. I'm sure they could tell you.
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 7, 2003
Hi, Johanna My husband is an army recruiter and I always teased him that once i got skinny i was going in to help him get a contract ( lol.. joking of course ) and he would tell me that once they find out you have that surgery they won't take you,, but i don't know if he was telling me that or if he was serious, but I will ask him for sure tomorrow,and email you.. sorry I guess this really doesn't help and i am sorry, but i will let you know for sure.. thanks kelly
   — kelkel319

July 7, 2003
My husband is also military (ARMY) and I have also asked this question. He told me that we couldnt join because of the surgery, which I do not understand. The way I see it is you cant join while over weight, and then you cant join after surgery and having a normal weight. But I can tell you this being a military wife once your foot is in the door I guess they just dont care anymore, because I have seen many many over weight men in the national guards. I know you didnt want negative, Im just ansering because I have also asked this question. But I say GO FOR IT. Good luck
   — Schatzie1

July 7, 2003
One might be physically able to make it through basic training BUT how would a post op military person do eating MRE's(meals ready to eat) in the field?? (yikes!!). Granted they've come a long way in recent years but still, the contents of one MRE meal bag provides an average of 1250 kilocalories (13 % protein, 36 % fat, and 51 % carbohydrates). (try eating 3 of em a day) My husband and son complain of constipation for a week after eating these for just a few days in the field... cant imagine how they've done eating em for months at a time. Not quite your basic post op diet huh??
   — Denise W.

July 7, 2003
You wouldn't be able to join the military because you wouldn't be able to pass MEPS. (The Military Entrance Processing Stations Doctors). They would disqualify you. The military is not prepared to handle special dietary needs of individuals. When they feed the personnel it is in quantity. Sure, alot of people live off base and make their own meal decisions, but, what happens when you get deployed? On ships you have to eat what is made. Also, if you're in the field you get MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat). They're not the best choice for a WLS recipients diet!! PS...I work for the Headquarters, Navy Recruiting District, Raleigh, NC (The Waiver Coordinator), so, I deal with Medical Waivers on a daily basis. WLS is a NO NO in the military at this time and age.
   — Pat J.

July 7, 2003
according to this article: http://usmilitary.about.com/library/weekly/aa082701a.htm ...any abdominal surgery is a disqualification. It specifically lists "intestinal bypass surgery."
   — Jim F

July 7, 2003
I think you need to be more specific when you say "WLS". There are so many different types...with the DS, depending on the amount of bowel bypassed, there is virtually no difference in what you can eat, including MRE's. However, because of the tendency of all intestinal bypass-ers (includes RNY-ers) to have special nutritional requirements (like calcium supplements, etc.) I can understand the military's denial of entry. If you are motivated to serve your country, I suggest you consider Federal Employment.
   — merri B.