Question:
I am a Inactive Reservist and want to know if anyone out there has gone in or back in

the military after WLS. I would love to help the Coast Guard up here in Ketchikan or anywhere in Alaska after WLS. Does anyone know if they would take me back in after the surgery??? Thank you for all your information.    — Carol S. (posted on August 7, 2003)

August 7, 2003
From what i have read on here from others, this surgery renders you inelgible for any kind of military duty.
   — Delores S.

August 7, 2003
I am a military wife myself. :) I know a few people that were active duty military and have had or are going to have WLS. I am not entirely sure how it works if you initially enlisting. However, since you are already a reservist, I would definitely look in to that. Good luck to ya!
   — AnneK.

August 7, 2003
My surgeon is a Capt in the US Army, active duty. I asked him if anyone having this surgery would not allow them to join the service and he didn't think it would keep them from being accepted. I would ask a recruiter, maybe they are unaware of this even being an issue. Let me know what you find out. Great question.
   — Angela S.

August 7, 2003
It is my understanding that if you are currently in the military that a bypass will not render you unable to perform your duties automatically, BUT should it be decided that you can no longer perform it could have negative career consequences. It does render you unable to "join" up afterwards though. (Taken from the Department Of Defense's Military Medical Standards for Enlistment & Appointment "The causes for rejection for appointment, enlistment, and induction are an authenticated history of: i. Other. (1) Gastrointestinal bypass (P43) or stomach stapling (P44) for control of obesity." You can read a more complete list if you wish at http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/intmedstandards/blabdominal.htm
   — [Deactivated Member]