Medical Waiver for gastric bypass

Cursed Irishman · Aug 27, 2008

After reading some of the GI disqualifying events in AR 40-501, I'm gonna say it'll be difficult to get a waiver for it (plus, I've always heard from recruiters I know its non-waiverable). Here is a link to the reg:

http://www.army.mil/usapa/epubs/pdf/r40_501.pdf

Give it a shot, the worse they can say is no....and if they say no, find another recruiter, preferably one who is desperate to make mission. :wink2:

Blessed_1 · Aug 27, 2008

Thanks for the reply. I know it's a long shot. but i'll give it a try.

JDCitizen · Aug 27, 2008

Blessed_1 said:
Hi. I'm 30 years old, a LPN for 1 year. I'm interested in joining the Army. I'm post op gastric bypass 4months. I'm aware for any surgery you can be disqualified if it is less than 6months. My question is I've researched on line and everywhere I've been suggest I can not enlist because of the gastric bypass; even if I wait a year. Is there anyone out there that had the surgery and was able to join with or without the medical waiver? Any and all information will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I have seen this asked on military.com a few times also and apparently it's what they call a PDQ... But if you don't try you won't know for sure....

dark_light · Jan 26, 2009

What about lap-band? Would this also be an automatic PDQ? Or can someone possibly obtain a waiver for it? Anyone know of any Army Reserve nurses with a lap-band?

teenynurse · Mar 13, 2011

I am a RN just recieved BSN and critical care nurse. I am applying for army reserves.With that said I had gastric bypass two years ago, my recruiter just sent my paper work to texas to be reviewed, I have not heard of anyone getting in with bypass however, since ,the military is desperate for critical care nurses it could be a possiblility, with all the new disasters developing I think it increases the chances. I will let you know:nurse:

Yammar · Mar 13, 2011

tjpalone said:
I am a RN just recieved BSN and critical care nurse. I am applying for army reserves.with that said I had gastric bypass two years ago, my recruiter just sent my paper work to texas to be reviewed, I have not heard of anyone getting in with bypass however, since ,the military is desperate for critical care nurses it could be a possiblility, with all the new disasters developing I think it increases the chances. I will let you know:nurse:

I don't think the military is desperate for any nurses at this time...

PNP4KIDZ, BSN, RN · Mar 13, 2011

I looked over this list as well, having a laparoscopic cholecystectomy a couple of months ago. It states at the top of this section that it does NOT mean that you are automatically disqualified, but is a "red flag." My recruiter is pretty proactive and has had me get supporting documents before my paperwork even goes to the board. If I were you, and this was my life dream, I would go back to your surgeon and get documents on your surgery and follow up paperwork supporting your current condition and ability to perform any and all physical activities necessary with no complications. The question with the military might be possible complications in the future. As others have mentioned, critical care nurses are valuable, but there are so many nurses in general applying right now because the military is such a great opportunity to serve and be treated very well! I think last year I heard that only 14 nurses were chosen for the Air Force out of at least a few hundred. I am currently in the process of applying as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Like my recruiter stated, it is like pendulum.....the hiring of nurses will increase again as things change in the economy, etc. I don't know if you would have a better chance in the reserves or not. Another option is working as a civilian at a military installation. I hope this helps. Best of wishes to you. I am glad your surgery went well, and I wish you the best! Here is the link from military.com

http://www.military.com/Recruiting/Content/0,13898,rec_step07_DQ_medical,,00.html

SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN · Mar 13, 2011

Hate to rain on the parade, but I'm currently in BOLC (officer's basic course) and they told us from the get-go that we are not allowed to have gastric bypass surgery or lap bands--ever. It's an immediate disqualifier for current officers and a huge no-no for incoming officers. And the military isn't desperate for nurses at all. They have about four times the number of applicants they need for any given position. You can try, but the military isn't waiver-happy like it was a few years back. Good luck!

PNP4KIDZ, BSN, RN · Mar 13, 2011

Good information. Thanks for sharing about that. I hope your BOLC is going well. I hope to be headed to COT this year. Maybe she could get a civilian job with the military. I don't know what rules there are about that.

SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN · Mar 13, 2011

BOLC is going well, thanks! Best of luck to you in COT, PNP4KIDZ! I'm really enjoying BOLC. Hopefully COT will be a similar experience for you.

Contracting as a nurse is probably the best option for you, Blessed_1. The military likes to hire in civilian nurses and doesn't have the same rules for them because they aren't military.