Trying to decide 1 Posted April 25, 2016 (edited) NM Edited April 26, 2016 by Trying to decide Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Florida_Chris 9 Posted April 26, 2016 Isn't weight loss surgery a big no no in the Military? I know you can't join if you have had it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
reree6898 1,164 Posted April 26, 2016 If you ever have to have any type of abdominal X-rays done the staple line and altered stomach would show up for your doctor to see. I personally don't know if I would chance trying to hide it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KristenLe 5,979 Posted April 26, 2016 I don't know how it works in the military but there's so much sharing of health info electronically (health information exchange or portals) that I wouldn't risk them not finding out. What if there are complications? Your Dr may see the scars too and question them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OKCPirate 5,323 Posted April 26, 2016 Depends on where you get it done. I had it done in Mexico. They don't share data. Most doctors in the states use a damn computer network that the government funded and exempts itself from patient privacy laws we think we have. (Big pharmaceutical companies tap into it as well insurance and government). So I didn't tell my primary care doctor and it's not on my record. All he knows is I have done a good job losing weight. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ShelterDog64 2,364 Posted April 26, 2016 I'm prior service and my husband is active Army...you should NOT have a disallowed medical procedure while you're active USPHS. You could lose your commission, your benefits and receive an other than honorable discharge. Do you meet height/weight standards and if not, how are you allowed to continue in active service? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trying to decide 1 Posted April 26, 2016 (edited) NM Edited April 26, 2016 by Trying to decide Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trying to decide 1 Posted April 26, 2016 (edited) NM Edited April 26, 2016 by Trying to decide Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ShelterDog64 2,364 Posted April 26, 2016 No, I'm not meeting the height & weight standards; however, no one has made an issue out of it. You would be taking such a risk...I'm pretty sure USPHS falls under UCMJ, you could lose pay, rank, even be court-martialed for something like this. And if you had complications and had to receive care, they'd find out then. PHS may not have instant access to your treatment record, but all they'd have to do is request it from the treating facility and it would be provided to your chain of command. Also, you've already falsified information to keep them from finding out...that's concerning in and of itself. Just give this a great deal of thought, only you knows how getting the surgery weighs against your career and your reputation in your field. Good luck with your decision. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kooky1 96 Posted April 30, 2016 Any type of bariatric surgery is non-waivable in the militery. You trying to hide it would be unethical and dishonest which will impact your discharge, and you will be discharged once the surgery is learned. Sent from my SM-G360T using the BariatricPal App Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rubia72 200 Posted April 30, 2016 Why would you don't you want your doctors support? My doctor has been 100% on my side. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Inner Surfer Girl 12,015 Posted April 30, 2016 As a matter of practice I cannot see any benefit to being anything less than completely honest with your medical team. Withholding information or being dishonest will only hurt you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites