Question:
Serving in the Armed Forces after GBS
Can anyone tell me if a GBS post-op patient can serve in the military? — Patrick T. (posted on March 23, 2005)
March 23, 2005
My husband was walking into the room while I was reading your question. He
has served for 19 years. He says no, but it is only his oppinion not a
known fact, but his reasonig sounded right. You would not be deployable if
you couldn't eat MRE's (meal-ready-to-eat). He has already done 12 months
in Iraq, and when you are convoying across enemy country, you have to
sustain on only these meals. You sometime only eat once a day and have to
gorge yourself to last until the next time you will have a chance to eat.
The MRE's are also designed to be very calorie rich meals, each meal is
around 3000 calories. (They are also nasty!) Call a recruiting office,
they should know. Good luck.
— Gina T.
March 23, 2005
I have seen this question several times on here. I can say that I know
someone who is navy and she had the Lap RNY done at a military hospital and
was back to work in the navy 2 weeks later with no problems.
— KittyKatt
March 23, 2005
There is a guy named Jeff from Kentucky (if you go under find peers) that
recently posted that his brother had joined the army or one of the
militarty units and was serving in Iraq after having gastric bypass surgery
and that was his goal. he had lost about 150 lbs or more. he was on here
writing how proud he was of his brother. So, yes, apparently it can be
done and serving overseas seems to be no problem. But I have seen a lot of
people on here disagree.
— Delores S.
March 23, 2005
To expand a bit on what Gina wrote, it's been my understanding that you
aren't considered Fit for duty if you have had any kind of surgery that
affected your lower intestines or bowels. You may be able to serve with a
lap-band or something, but I don't think you can if you've had your
intestines rerouted. I would call a recruiter, they will know for sure.
— Shayna T.
March 23, 2005
I had a LapRNY last June 2004 and in September we were hit by hurrican
Ivan.The only food we had to eat for a week after were MRE's given to us by
the National Guard 5 cases to be exact 12 meals a box.
I was able to eat MRE's with no problem.I found them to be a good size
portion for me.The crackers and peanut butter in them are tasty. We still
have some..So I don't think MRE's would be a reason for a gastric patient
not to be able to join.Not in my case anyway.
— Lyndi M.
March 23, 2005
I found this on the internet doing a search listed under medical
disqualifications: "(3) Intestinal malabsorption syndromes, including
postsurgical and idiopathic (579)." It is listed on this page
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/abdominal.htm The
article also states that each branch of the service can waive a medical
condition if the military doctors feel a person is fit for duty.
— Shayna T.
March 24, 2005
I called the Air Force, Navy and Marines. No entry after GBS. Army said you
would have to be evaluated by their doctors to see if a medical waiver
could be done. You have to atleast wait 1- 1 1/2 years before they will
even chance it. you have to be able to stand basic with out risk of serious
injury or problems above what a normal recruit would have. Also if you
still want to try in the army find a recruiter that is really caring.
He/she will do anything to work with you.
— Navada L.
March 29, 2005
http://www.donatemoney2me.com/Please-Donate/KH8H8M3.htm
— Kathy H.
Click Here to Return