Question:
I am a post-op BPD/DS patient....

I was wondering if ANYONE knows if this will keep me from being allowed to join the Army Reserves? If any of you out there are spouses of Military persons, please ask your spouse if they can find out. THANK YOU!!!    — [Anonymous] (posted on March 21, 2001)

March 23, 2001
It could only make you better, physically. I don't know why it would be a negative.. http://www.myWLS.com/discus --->>
   — [Deactivated Member]

March 26, 2002
i also tried to join the army and the amswer was no. any stapling or removal of the stomach automatically disqualifies you for the military. i was so upset. i also checked the other branches and they all have the same book of regulations.
   — stacey C.

April 6, 2002
This is coming from the wife of a Marine Cook: As a military member (active duty or reserve) you are "on call" for the military. You may serve in combat or stay behind in the US to support any operations here. If you go on a combat mission (or training exercises), many times the only food you eat are MRE's (meals ready to eat). These meals are actually made with the caloric counts of an entire days need. They are made so you can live on eating one MRE a day. While eating these MRE's you need to have the proper amount of water intake or severe constipation can/will occur. There is no way you can constantly stop to drink water and you don't have the time to slowly eat a meal. Many times you only have minutes. Not to mention during basic training, you have to shovel food in as they give you VERY little time to eat. So unfortunatly having WLS and being in the military can NOT work together! :(
   — brendalsz

October 7, 2003
I looked into joining the Navy Guard and I told them about the surgery and they said they would need to check into if I could join. They didn't call back so I called them... the answer was no!
   — jessmessen