FIRST POST OP REGRETT

In addition to being a comedian just about my entire life I have also been a singer. Classically trained,, since the age of 6.. Singing has since been a HUGE joy in my life and often the ONE thing that has made me truly happy,, even at 400 pounds.. But, I have not sung since surgery in February. Friday night I did.. I met up with some friends at a local bar for Kareoke night… Normally it’s a lot of fun. I go I knock them dead with my singing voice get lots of OOOs and Awwwws. However, this time was different. For the first time in MY LIFE I was awful.. Well not awful as compared to the other people that were there.

Its not that I forgot how…. More like my body just wont let me do it. A singer’s, control pitch, resonance come from the abdomen you use your abdominal muscles to regulate the flow of air over your vocal cords. Suddenly I either don’t have the abdominal strength or I’m just not able to get enough air from my abdomen to control the sound the way I used to..  Is there anyone out there who can relate to this problem??? I suppose “I" should have thought about this before surgery. But, it has TOTALLY caught me off guard and I’m not sure how to deal with it. I mean is that part of my life over now because I had this surgery??? Do I just have to learn to live with it? Or do I need to start seeing a coach again and learn how to use it again? If I have to give up music then I will say that this has to be my low point after surgery.

I too sing, music is very much part of my life. I too have noticed a difference in my singing even at 11 days Post Op. IMO, I think that you will be able back to the way you use to sing if you take Vocal Lessons and get your vocals back to where they use to be. Do not give up hope!



~Heather

Thanks for the advice.. I'm making an appointment to see a specialist in Chicago who works with singers. I have had many years of vocal training.. Thats whats killing me. I know all the techniques but,, they just arnt working here.  I'll keep you all up to date.

I cannot sing at all well and can direct you to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPYmq8795mE

as proof of that.

However I do understand the instrument and know that the operation itself and the rapid changes in the abdomen would change the breath control but that should not be a major thing for someone who odf course still has the same pipes.

Randy

I wish that I had been blessed with the ability to sing.  I was instead blessed with the ability to know that I suck so I have to admire those who can.  God gave you a gift.  Now you have to decide what to do with that gift.  Stand up for yourself and get it back.  Practice when you are alone until you get it right.  You don't know me but when I posted about standing up to my dr to get wls you told me to do what I needed to do to get it so take your own advise. lol  Give those abs a workout and sing away until you are as perfect as you once were!  Singers overcome many things that try and take away their voice, you can too.  I have to admit I am a sucker for a guy that can sing, but happily married to a man that, like I, can't carry a tune in a bucket!  Still, I have those childhood dreams of a guy sweeping me off my feet by singing me a love song.  Life is difficult, choose your battles well, there will be many.  This is worth fighting for!

Lisa 

Now I beg to differ.. ANYONE CAN SING. Its just takes some practice.. And a little knowlege about how it works. If I cant get my voice back,, look out because I'm gonna teach others. You just might be my first volunteer.

LOL, I can sing, yes, but I would be one of those american idol clips that everyone laughs at!  I have to sing alone in the car or shower, it hurts the dogs ears. 

In addition to being a singer, I started playing the flute for the first time a couple of years ago.  I know many singers and muscicians of all sizes and shapes.  I don't think the size matters, but I do think that it's a relearning process.  Your entire abdomen has changed and rearranged, and as your muscles become stronger, I predict that your breath control will become even better than before. I do think that working with a coach/teacher would be the best thing.  By the way, everyone cannot sing!!  Ever hear a monotone?? that's my dear husband, he has a good voice, but has no concept of weather he is anywhere near the correct note!!  Good luck, Suzy

Suzy,, We've met..
Thank you for the words of encouragement.. I'm hoping a little coaching and learning to work with the changes will make all the difference.. I am determined now to get it back.... Once I see the Doctor I'll have a better idea of what to do about it. I have also got a recommendation for a Speech Therapist to specializes in Singers. I plan on making an appointment to see her to see what she can do for me... Quite honestly I dont know what I would do if I couldnt get it back.. Its part of WHO I am.