Question:
can I join the military being a year post op with no complications?
i cant seem to find the answer to this, does any one know if it will be a problem to join the military after having gastric bypass, I meet all physical requirements and weight requirements, but doent know if this surgery will keep me from joining. — Shawna B. (posted on May 23, 2002)
May 23, 2002
I asked my surgeon that same question, he is a Major in the US Army
stationed at Fort Benning, Ga. He said he didn't see why you could not
join. Good Luck.
— Angela S.
May 23, 2002
I was told that the Marines and Navy will not let you join. I didn't ask
for a reason since I don't want to join anyways.
— jenna F.
May 23, 2002
I have also read here on this board that they will not recruit you because
of the surgery. Maybe you can find something on this topic in the library
here on AMOS. Do a search on each branch (Navy, Army) or recruit. I
wouldn't try military. Too many have their surgery done through the mil.
and ask questions relating to that.
— Cheri M.
May 24, 2002
As far as I know you cannot join the military after surgery. My hubby is in
the Army, and from what I understand they won't let you join because of the
possibility of complications or something like that. I'm really not sure,
but I do know that you can't join. Best of luck to you.
— Marlene H.
May 24, 2002
Hi, My husband works in the Navy Recruiting Command, they say you can't
join because its a major surgery that alters the body, need to be world
wide assignable. Tish
— Tisha W.
May 24, 2002
If they do not let you join the regular armed forces. Consider the State
Defense Forces in your state. All of them are attached to the National
Guard. So they are legit. Thank you for wanting to serve your country.
— Robert R.
May 25, 2002
they will not let you join because of the way they require you to eat
sometimes. You would have to eat a meal in less than 5 mins, or eat 1 meal
that is so full of calories/fat/ect to last you throughout the day. As a
post-op...you're physically unable to do that.
— Christie N.
May 25, 2002
I talked to both my doctor and surgeon on this one -- both active duty army
officers and when they looked at the regulation, it was unclear --
essentially I was told that they thought it would be fine, but that anyone
attempting to join after WLS would have their paperwork submitted to the
army surgeon general to be approved or not approved.
— Jo Ann Y.
May 25, 2002
There are probably many reasons why, at this time, post ops aren't
encouraged to join the military. Post ops may require more time to eat
during training, have different fluid requirements, and also have
gastrointestinal systems that are different from no wls patients. It would
be difficult for the military to assign everyone who has had wls in the
military to certain military installations that had medical personnel
available who were able to care for the wls post op patient.
I can see the military taking wls patients in the future. Right now, it's
still too unusual and they aren't equipped to handle them. That will be a
neat time when they do accept wls patients in the military!
— NicoleG
May 25, 2002
Hi - I was in the service during the seventies with people who had, had
back surgery and other medical surgeries. Their only real concern is if at
the present time if you are physically fit and can past their tests. But a
recruiter should be able to either help you or answer your question. Good
Luck !!!
— Ken H.
February 10, 2004
While no "normal" military service is currently accepting WLS
patients, state guards are. State guards are like the National Guard,
except you can not get mobilized outside of your state, and with few
exceptions they are totally voluntary. The TX guard watched over shuttle
debris when ordered by the governor. The NY Guard served at teh WTC site.
State Guards answer to the governor and TAG of the individual state. Most
state guards do not allow members to train with weapons for liability and
political/image reasons.
I am a chaplain in the Alabama State Defense Force and would happily answer
any questions. For info on what may or may not be in your individual
state, check out www.sgaus.org/states.htm while this list is by no means
complete, it is a good starting point.
You may also wish to check out the Civil Air Patrol and Coast Guard
Auxiliaries in your area(s).
Chaplain_Mac
No man is an island, but I do make a suitable floatation device.
— Papa_Mac
January 26, 2005
My husband had gastric bypass RNY in Feb 2002. He joined the Texas
National Guard in Sept 2002. He had to get a medical waiver and was let
in. Since that time, his unit has been activated and he is now active duty
in the Army stationed in Iraq.
— Ronda H.
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