Question:
Wondering would the Military pay for surgery if I enlist????

I have always considered joining the Military. But, I have always had a weight problem. I need this surgery for my heart and I was wondering if anyone knows or could ask someone if the Military would consider paying for WLS before I joined the Military. I am even willing to sign up for 10 years or so. Thanks for your input.    — Amanda A. (posted on June 14, 2005)

June 14, 2005
If you have wls, FORGET joining the military! If you should try afterwards, I think it is grounds for a discharge!
   — Danmark

June 14, 2005
At this point the Army DOES NOT Take WLS patients into their ranks even if they are a few years out. The military (any rank) will not take you with a heart condition or weight problem that would interfer with training.
   — MagickalMom

June 14, 2005
Not to be mean, but with a BMI as high as what your profile says, the military will not even look at you and you would probably be laughed out of the recruiters office. The military does have extremely strict weight rules. However, for those saying that military will not even look at you after WLS...that is not necessarily true. My hubby is in the military and I have heard that they are now approving WLS for service members who cannot lose the weight they need to. I don't know how true that is, but, that's what I'm hearing.
   — kccjer

June 14, 2005
In response to Carmen, they may allow service members that have already been in the military to have WLS, but I don't think they will take a post-op as a new recruit. Of course they have a waiver for just about everything and with their recruitment numbers so low right now, they may consider letting in people that have already had WLS. <br> To the OP, the military insurance, TriCare, does cover WLS, but all of the branches have weight requirements for new recruits, so I doubt that they would let you in.
   — Ali M

June 14, 2005
The prior posts were correct in saying that the military will NOT accept your application if you are overweight in any way. I tried when I was younger and I was obese then too but I was going to give it a shot - I wanted to be in the Navy. The recruiter actually let me go through all the testing and everything - I made exceptional scores so he said he will give me 6 months to lose my weight (he said I had to be under 142lbs for him to accept me) and that they didn't normally hold applications like that but he was making an exception. Needless to say, I didn't ever go back. Now, recently a read a post from a woman who has lost to her goal weight and was able to become a police officer with her hopes set on going into the military. It took her two years but she is in Iraq now serving in the Army. So after you get the surgery and lose the weight to goal - try and ask your local recruiter if you have a chance. Good Luck, Kelly
   — Kelly MzKelz Valdez

June 14, 2005
Hi there, Navy wife here! Unfortunately what you've been told is right, although it's a very admirable ambition. Over the last few years, they have gotten a little looser in some areas regarding requirements of recruits, BUT a weight issue is not something they will overlook or help you with in any way. And the heart issue is also another DEFINITE no-no. When they take someone on they also are promising to pay for your medical needs and that's not something they'll take on. Anyone they accept has to be able to be placed in any kind of situation and be able to serve in a full capacity. They won't accept a person who will have any kind of immediate limitations as to job placement or physical needs. The last I heard, they will not even consider a person who has already HAD WLS because there's a possibility of particular dietary needs and increased doctoring due to vitamin and mineral issues, etc. On the other hand, they DO cover it for persons who are already enlisted and THEN develop a significant weight problem, in order to retain qualified, trained servicemembers. And military insurance, Tricare, will pay for it for dependents of military members. (Married yet? LOL) Anyway, I admire you for trying, but I know of a few people who have tried this and it doesn't work. I know it would be worth it to sign up to get it paid for, if only it were that easy! Serving in the police force later on after surgery may be as close as you can get to that. I wish you luck getting your surgery done and paid for though. Do whatever you have to. It's worth it! Christie 468/205/168 Baby boy Due July 23!
   — christied