Hey all,

I've been a lurker here for a while. I was banded by Dr. Spivak last July and have lost 65lbs and am within 50lbs of my goal. It took a while to get the right fill, but I am there now, losing 3-5lbs per week.

I run 5k races now every 2 weeks, and my waist has gone from 56" to 40".

Now to the main question, once I reach my goal I am considering joining the Army Reserves. Does anyone know if having a band would preclude me from joining the military? Any experiences?

Many thanks!

Interesting question, I'm curious now as well. I have another question, at what point does obesity prevent the same? Is there a BMI # that prevents one from joining? # of pounds overweight? How does that work?

If it's really that big a deal to you, you can always have it removed after you hit your target weight. Surely you can't be disqualified for something that isn't there.

That's not really how it works. If it is removed after hitting goal the vast majority of people regain weight.

There is a height/weight chart that the military uses - you also must pass the physical tests.

As a male at my height and age (early 40s), I beleive I need to be around 203lbs

I don't want to remove the band except for complication

I also am considering it too. If you ask on the Army website, the advisors tell you, yes it does rule you out. The Army recruiter I was dealing with in person stated that there is a waiver for it. I didn't go too much into it with her to find out the requirements but I do know there has to be a certain time frame passed.

Wasabubblebutt: Yes, military branches are very strict on their weight standards. If you go on their websites, it will show you what the height/weight standards are. You have to also be able to pass various physical training tests.

I am in e-mail conversation with a recruiter as I am coming to the top end of the age restriction (42), but have not mentioned the band. I am looking at the Army Reserves Jag Corps.

I have also looked into this and the information I have found is that is you have gastric bypass its a definite no. Now the information I have found is that with the band is that you have to get it removed and wait a year to join. Now don't quote me on this because I am not positive. I have asked in the GOArmy.com chat with the recruiters and they all just spew out some policy that only pertains to bypass. I would think with the war going on they are giving lots of waivers these days. If you do find out please get back with me because that has always been a dream of mine also.

I guess thats why I am going to Iraq as a contractor when I get down to 250 as a firefighter.