Will Banding Preclude Joining the Military?

[Lochnagar 0]

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!

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

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?

[Manatee 4]

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.

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

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

[Lochnagar 0]

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

[Lochnagar 0]

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

[FarmerE 0]

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.

[Lochnagar 0]

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.

[Chris_NJ 9]

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.