R 031628Z JUL 07 ZUI ASN-A00184000027 ZYB
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-11//
TO ALCOAST
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UNCLAS //N06300//
ALCOAST 326/07
COMDTNOTE 6300
SUBJ: BARIATRIC SURGERY POLICY FOR COAST GUARD ACTIVE DUTY AND
RESERVE PERSONNEL
A. WEIGHT/PHYSICAL FITNESS STANDARDS FOR COAST GUARD MILITARY
PERSONNEL, COMDTINST M1020.8(SERIES)
B. THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MEMORANDUM "POLICY ON
BARIATRIC SURGICAL PROCEDURES FOR ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS", 11
MAY 07 (NOTAL)
C. MEDICAL MANUAL, COMDTINST M6000.1 (SERIES)
1. BARIATRIC SURGERIES WHICH INCLUDE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, GASTRIC
BYPASS, GASTRIC STAPLING, AND GASTROPLASTY (INCLUDING VERTICAL
BANDED GASTROPLASTY), ARE SURGERIES INTENDED FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE
MORBIDLY OBESE (100 OR MORE POUNDS OVER THEIR IDEAL BODY WEIGHT).
ACTIVE DUTY AND RESERVE MEMBERS OF THE USCG SHOULD BE IDENTIFIED
AND SEPARATED IAW REF "A", PRIOR TO BECOMING MORBIDLY OBESE.
2.  IN ACCORDANCE WITH REF "B" ANY HISTORY OF BARIATRIC SURGERY
WILL BAR A MEMBER FROM MILITARY SERVICE.  THESE TYPES OF PROCEDURES
REQUIRE A STRICT DIETARY REGIMEN, WHICH COULD INTERFERE WITH
OPERATIONAL DEPLOYMENT.  COAST GUARD ACTIVE DUTY AND RESERVE
PERSONNEL SHALL NOT BE AUTHORIZED TO RECEIVE BARIATRIC SURGERY IN
ANY MILITARY TREATMENT FACILITY OR CIVILIAN TREATMENT FACILITY.
MEMBERS WHO HAVE OBTAINED BARIATRIC SURGERY SHALL NOT BE CONSIDERED
WORLD WIDE DEPLOYABLE AND SHALL BE CONSIDERED FOR SEPARATION.
3.  COAST GUARD PERSONNEL ARE EXPECTED TO MAINTAIN COMPLIANCE WITH
WEIGHT AND FITNESS STANDARDS IN ACCORDANCE WITH REF "A".  COAST
GUARD PERSONNEL DESIRING TO LOSE WEIGHT SHOULD CONSULT THEIR UNIT
HEALTH PROMOTION COORDINATOR FOR A WEIGHT EVALUATION AND FITNESS
PLAN.
4.  THIS POLICY WILL BE REFLECTED IN A FUTURE CHANGE TO REF "C".
5.  INTERNET RELEASE IS AUTHORIZED.
6.  RADM MARK TEDESCO, DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND SAFETY SENDS.
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