Does anyone know if getting the RNY would void someone from joining the military?.... I'm going to get ahold of a recruiter sometime this week, and see what he says but I'm curious today.  If anyone knows, or knows how to find out please let me know thanks.

I have been wondering the same thing. I actually am prior service and I think I might like to go back into the Air Guard.

This question has been asked several times over the past two years that I know of and each time the answer is Yes it would permanently disqualify you from joining any branch of the military, this includes reserve service.

If already in the reserves, I don't know.

Only a recruiter will really be able to answer you for 100%.  

Good Luck 

Hey Lindsey... I would becareful with what a recruiter has to say about gastric bypass and the military.  AS I'm prior Marine Corps and hubby is retired AF....I do love my military but remember, troop's numbers are down right now, and they are trying anything to get people to sign the dotted line. If it's possible...contact a military hospital in your area...like here in San Antonio is the gateway to new recruits ~ Lackland AFB.  They have gastric bypass surgeons there.....I know they perform the surgeries on current active duty and dependants, BUT....gastric bypass stopped my family and I in returning to Korea last year October because, the AF couldn't support any complications that may of happened at the AF base that was there. (it really was a blessing in disguise as I have had my share of complications...LOL) In basic bootcamp, I would think being post gastric bypass would throw a big ole wrench into things.....they are not gonna make sure you get your protein and fluids in.  When you are in boot camp and going out to the field (camping), you have to eat MREs...already prepared meals, which are very high in sugar content and carbs....  And joining the reserves, you go out in the field 1 weekend a month and 2 weeks a year.....it seems like boot camp and those two weeks might be the most difficult! http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080501201724AA rIjL1 edited to add:   I just found the above link that says gastric bypass or lap band disqualifies you from ANY of the armed service..... That's just my two cents.... Dawn

You're spot on Dawn. WLS is a medical disqualifier for the reasons you state for new recruits of both active and reserve components.  Reserve component recruits attend the same training as the active, and as we all know, reserve component units are also serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Maybe one of these days, but not yet.   

I'm ex military and considered this option as well.  Been told out front that it's a no no for new recruits.  They can't keep up with your needs doing training and honestly I don't think they can if you are in a war zone either. Let's hope maybe they'll find a way to fix this in the furture. Best wishes, Krista

Okay but is Ex-military considered a new recruit? I get that if you have never been through basic the surgery would be a problem. But if you have already been trained and just want to step back into your old career field than would it be allowed or waived?

After getting out of the military..you have a certain period of time, I dunno know if it's 2 years or what...but anyway, you have an alotted amount of time to make a decsion of serving in the reserves or not.  After that alotted amount of time, you would be considered a new recruit again. It used to be, I dunno if it's standard practice any longer...but if you went to Marine Corps bootcamp and then got out as ex military, you didn't have to attend another bootcamp ~ you could walk into any of the branches of service if your career field was open....(that's because Marine Corps bootcamp is twice as long as the others and in my opinion..because like I said I was one..twice as difficult  ) No flaming other services...I'm just talking here...LOL Dawn

Not that I'm looking to join- but to brag a bit my son is a member of an army reserve unit here in Newfoundland- and my Dad was career Armed Forces- but it seems such a shame that prior WLS disqualifies people from joining. I would venture to say that a lot of those WLS people are among the toughest and fittest of all the applicants. I understand the reasons why it is a no-no- but just seems such a shame

Please call a recruiter.  They are the only ones who can tell you for sure.  I work for the AF Reserves and, while they are looking to get some butts in uniforms, the Army is a lot more in need of people.  And they aren't willing to risk anyone's health in the process .. that includes making sure that needs can be met.  As a career civilian, I am not worldwide qualified for deployments or assignments because I am within the first year of surgery and because I am still using my cpap.  Out of the first year and off the cpap, I'm good to go.

All that said, bear in mind that physical fitness is a huge issue in the Air Force as being in the desert requires you to be physically and mentally agile.  It may be that being in a shape where you are qualified to have wls means that you have work to do before you meet the physical fitness requirements for being recruited.

There are some career fields that are so short manned that they will waive pretty much anything if you can breath, only a recruiter knows for sure.