Will having surgery on my throat disqualify me for joining the Air Force?

Question

Really long story, as short as I can make it. Basically I have Acid Reflux Disease (Along with 90% of Americans) but I have it pretty severely. Essentially the acid has destroyed the lining in my esophagus thus my throat has began contracting. As a side effect of my throat getting smaller, I have began choking. Three times in the last month as a matter of fact.

So, I'm going to a specialist and I am going to have a surgery (persay) basically my throat is going to be stretched. Recovery time is a week, not a single visible scare. My dad had it done (he has the same condition) 6 years ago. He has not choked since, and says he wish he had got it done 30 years ago.

In the air force, I will get probably 3-5 minutes to eat each meal. Obviously, I have to have this surgery or I wont be able to eat fast enough. And my life would be jeopardy without having this done before joining.

Will this disable me for service, in the Air Force to be exact? The recruiter has been kind of shotty he said well it leaves no scars so get it done and never mention it again. But I want to be completely honest on my application. Is this considered a disqualifying 'operation'.

Thanks guys/girls, I appreciate it.

Answer 1

There is no disqualifying operation...The end result is are you physically fit for duty...Ask your Doctor what is the final out come of the operation...As long as your fit...Your Good...Recruiter are naturally nervous about this because they don't what you to spoil their recruiting quotas...When I joined the Army...I had major knee surgery...I thought that this would keep me from military service...My recruiter wanted mt to say I fell an cut myself on glass...I didn't...First, lying can be construded as false enlistment...The only delay I had...was to go to a seperate doctor who looked me over and stamped my paper work...I have been in 22 years and went Airborne...Pretty much...during the physical...If you have five digits on each appendage, can see ok, hear ok, and don't walk with a cane or wheel chair...you'll be fine...Good Luck on your Service to Your Country...

Answer 2

I have the same condition, and I had the same surgery.  I choked like that while I was in the Navy, and wished I had gotten the surgery a long time ago.  I also got prescribed nexium after the surgery.  You will also more than likely get prescribed that.  I cannot speak for sure if this is a disqualifying surgery from the USAF, but I'd have to say that I higly doubt it.  Be honest, speak with a national recruiter instead of your local person, and explain it to them.  I'd think the USAF would be glad you have it.  Sorry I can't be specific, but I'd say go for it!

Answer 3

You can't join at all man.

Don't listen to the guy below me. You lie on government documents and get caught that's charges pressed against you leading to possible jail time. Surgery is documented and can easily be dug up by our government.

Answer 4

If you have surgical correction done on your gastrointestinal esophageal reflux disorder (GERD) you will have to wait for six months after the surgery to attempt entry into the armed forces. The source below is the medical standard. I know what I'm talking about.  

Answer 5

you may not enlist with Acid Reflux disease.  surgery to correct it is disqualifying.  whether or not anybody(let alone the AF who grants almost no waivers period) will grant you a waiver is unknown.  typically there is a waiting period of up to 12 months after any surgery before you can even begin the process.  

Lying about the surgery is the  worse thing you can do as that will net you a Fraudulent Enlistment discharge WHEN( not if) you are caught.