Gastric Bypass vs Military

Jan 12, 2009

Ok, so I know that most of you reading this are going to freak, but I have a really big question!

Why does gastric bypass immediately disqualify a person from joining the military?

Before you comment and give me a list of all of the "possibilities" please make sure that you consider both sides of the coin.  I'll explain.  I've not lost all of my weight, but when I reach goal or military standards for joining, I was thinking about joining the service.  Yeah, it sounds crazy, but I really feel like I was meant to do more than just be a housewife.  I am earning this degree, and I want it to work for me.  IF I join, I would definitely want to become an officer from the get-go. 

Now, the next question is...which branch of service.  I'll start with the Marines.  When I spoke with a recruiter yesterday asking the "tough" questions...I wanted to know what their policy is for prospective people who have had gastric bypass.  The Marines just said that they needed to be 1 yr post op and non dependent on any medications from the surgery.  So far, neither applies to me..which is ok, because I won't have my degree until March 2010.  Looking ahead though, I will be 1 yr post op in November and 4 months after I will graduate with a degree.  So, I would qualify to join by March 2010--YAY!  So, that's the Marines.

Next, is the Navy.  The recruiter I spoke with early in the day said that I would not be able to use my online degree for any of the Naval Officer Programs.  So, I called another person.  He said the other guy was whack.  He said that as long as my school is regionally accredited...my degree would qualify me for any of their programs.  SO, check!  The bad news is that the Navy consideres gastric bypass as an immediate disqualifier.  The recruiter DID say that their policy changes often, and I should check back in 6 months to see if there is a change.  So, here's my idea...if things work out and I meet Navy requirements, and I am working on my degree....take all of my medical documentation to the recruiter so they can submit it to the Docs.  I am really hoping that will give me the chance to get a waiver.  If so, and I continue to have no problems from surgery, I could join the Navy.

Next, is the Air Force.  I called and spoke with a recruiter yesterday.  They will accept my degree and they want me to come in when I have met weight standards for the Air Force (which is about 77 lbs from now).  They want to submit a package up to the Docs and see if I will be eligible to join once I have reached my 1 yr post op.  Basically, we discussed that gastric bypass patients will have to be determined on a case by case basis because not everyone gets out smoothly without little to no complications.  I'm all for that. 


*Which branch of service would most benefit my family's needs?
*What will I do with the kids while I am in bootcamp?
*What will I do with the kids while I am in OCS?


So far, I've been thinking that the Navy would be more able to place me in an area with Curt (since he is a Marine).  I don't want him to give up his career because I want to pursue one, but at the same time...why do I have to sacrifice all of my dreams so he can accomplish his?  What would be the happy medium?  The Navy would provide the ability for us to stay together easier than any other branch of service.  The turn-off is the dismissal from the "jackass" of a recruiter that I first spoke with yesterday.  He didn't want to give me the time of day.  I don't want to hear NO as an answer.  For this reason, the Air Force looks really good.  They were helpful, considerate, and willing to do anything to find the answer I was looking for.  The problem is that the possibility Curt and I will be stationed together is highly unlikely.  Again, I am faced with that whole "change your job" thing.  The Air Force is more dedicated to families, deployments are roughly 3-6 months, and they have a lot more benefits for the families.  The other choice I have is to join the Marines.  It would be very likely that Curt and I can be stationed together, more-so than any other branch.  They have the longest bootcamp (and I'm scared).  We've been associated with this lifestyle for almost 6 years, and it might be an easier transition over the other branches of service. 

You are probably wondering WHY I am even considering the military period.  Ok, here's my logic.  I've really been wondering about what to use my degree for.  I could struggle to find a job that MIGHT pay for my student loans, but in this economy...the chances are slim that I will find the right fit.  Next, if we get orders, I lose that job and have to start all over.  Also there is the possibility of lay-off because of the economy.  If I chose the military I would be guaranteed: repayment of student loans, a paycheck for the length of my contract (which would allow me to re-up as needed), BAH-(half for me or Curt-depending on branch of service), BAS (same as BAH).  I would have free medical for life, so whenever the kids are grown we wouldn't have to pay for health insurance.  If we both stay in until retirement (that's 2 retirement checks) and whatever else we decide to do after military. 

Long story short, I don't want to look back on my life with regret.  I've always held a special place in my heart for the military, and it would be awesome to share in that service experience. There is a song that speaks of looking back over your life with regret, and it's Carrie Underwood's Wasted.  Here is the chorus:


 


Last was the Army.  They told me that gastric bypass was immediate disqualifing, and so I told them...BYE. Who wants to join the army anyway...LOL!
Now I am faced with more questions:
 



Cause' I don't wanna' spend my life jaded
Waiting to wake up one day and find
That I've let all these years go by
Wasted

Oh I don't wanna' keep on wishing, missing
The still of the morning, the color of the night
I ain't spending no more time
Wasted

 


Now, please understand....I don't think I've not been successful because I DO have a beautiful family, loving husband, and two precious children.  However, we each need self-fulfillment and feel that our lives have purpose.  I know I was meant to be a Mom and wife, but I really feel I was meant for more, too. 



 

Thanks for reading.....and I want to know your thoughts about a) me joining the military, b) which branch, c)gastric bypass disqualifying someone from joining



 

Hope to read your comments soon!  Have a blessed day!


 

Until next time.....PEACE!

4 Comments

About Me
Austell, GA
Location
28.6
BMI
RNY
Surgery
11/10/2008
Surgery Date
Jun 18, 2008
Member Since

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