Obviously prior to surgery I was way too heavy to ever join the military. I'm an RN and will be finishing my bachelor's this fall which means I could enter the service as an officer. I'm tossing around the idea of Air Force or Navy reserves - just a weekend a month and two weeks in the summer. Anyone else considered this? Thoughts?

I think that would be great! My only concern would be how an individual would manage if they were downrange or out at sea. In those conditions you may not have the ability to eat every few hours and getting the needed amount of protein in would become an issue because of the food that is served in those environments...other than that..I think it would be amazing if WLS patient could enlist without a waiver as long as when they are in basic they can prove they can handle and do the same as others...it would be a very difficult task.

That is a quite interesting question. I'm a physician and would join in a second. Unfortunately I am a bit sub-specialized and most likely not so useful. I nearly joined after med school' date=' but was a smidge over the body fat limit. I guess I will just continue to support the wounded veterans groups.[/quote']

Jenn-- what specialty? I'm psych and curious about whether or not this would be waiver-able as well.

Jenn-- what specialty? I'm psych and curious about whether or not this would be waiver-able as well.

A pediatric oncologist. Not so useful as I haven't taken care of adults in 15 years.

Well i can start the application in 32 more pounds and can apply in 37. At my current rate (hopefully it holds) i should hit the 37 in mid October. Ill definitely keep everyone updated on the process.

If any of you are curious or still following this - I saw my surgeon this week and one of her sleevers actually got accepted into the Air Force! She said they had to provide all kinds of letters and paperwork but she got it!

Stoked!

I cant start the application process for 24 more pounds and cant actually join for 29 more but im slowly getting there.

Thats awesome! Thx for sharing! Im considering as well so deff appreciate u keeping us posted!

I am prior active duty air force and I am desperate to go back in national guard. I was told over the phone that weight loss surgery is a no go but Ill have to try again with a real recruiter after I have the surgery and lose the weight. good to know guys!

Yes please keep us posted. This is very interesting. Good luck!

I am prior active duty air force and I am desperate to go back in national guard. I was told over the phone that weight loss surgery is a no go but Ill have to try again with a real recruiter after I have the surgery and lose the weight. good to know guys!

Its a medical disqualifier.. Just get ALL of your surgery records and follow up records and have your MD and surgeon write letters for you and you could probably get a waiver with no other health issues. Also - im going into nurse corps - theyre a little more lenient for nurses

Are you applying for reserves or active duty? I'm an RN thinking of joining Air Force to become a CRNA.

Most meals during training where at the cafeteria. Only a few times did we have the hot and ready. I was on heavy end when I went down range to train and the drill sergeants made sure I ate the protein first to lose weight faster. So meals should be ok if you can handle only three a day. Water on the other hand was tough. They would make us drink (chug) a whole canteen at a time. That was not very often but I think would be hard to do now. I was also in the harder 16 weeks of boot camp in the Army. We were punched a little harder then normal. I ended up hurting my back and not finishing. Tough after butting so much work to get in. I lost 50 pounds back when I was younger just to join.

Are you applying for reserves or active duty? I'm an RN thinking of joining Air Force to become a CRNA.

Active Duty but HOLD UP! Theres a scholarship program for CRNA! If you get into a program you take the letter of acceptance and join THEN. They put you reserves and pay ALL school, fees, books, etc plus 2100 a month for a living stipend. You give them 1 year for each year of school they cover. Once you graduate they move you active. You wont get the crna incentive pay those three or two years but once you resign they give a great bonus.

Resign = re-sign as in continue to serve. For NP youre a captain plus 2k a month NP incentive plus if you sign a four yrlear commitment its 20k/yr lump sums.

Thank actingnurse! Is there an np scholarship too? Is that what you were describing or is if you are an np & sign up? Great info!