FIRST REGRET!!!

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 don't have any personal experience since I can't sing . . . but I would think it was just a temporary set back. I bet you have been guarding your abdomen, even if unconsciously, since surgery.  It just needs to get stretched out, supple and strong again.

It seems like an appointment with your coach would not hurt and would be a positive step.

Your proportions are changing- your recovering from major surgery.  Don't panic -  you did not alter your nasal passages, your vocal cords or pharynx -  you just need some more time.  When your "proportions settle" and your strength is up you will be singing your little heart out!

Deborah Voight, the Wagner-class opera singer who lost a role because she couldn't fit into a "little black ****tail dress", had gastric bypass a few years ago.  I believe she had to retrain her voice for all the reasons that you mention.  Some people say that they can still hear a difference in her post-RNY voice, but she still sounds fantastic.

/Steve

Okay so there's hope????? I'm making an appointment to see a specialist here in Chicago so hopefully he can help me get over this hump.

OK here is one I can help on.   I too have been a singer and musician my whole life.   The first time I went up on stage after sugery I was shocked!  NO air.  Winded and the Exertion to get out a tone remotely that sounded like me was pure torture!  The shock was overwhelming!  I freaked out in my head, as I am sure you are doing.   BUT once I turned the corner and stopped losing muscle, and started toning, I got my diaphram back.  Now, I sing just as good, although I personally can still hear a difference.  I was a big ballad queen, so those long notes were scary for awhile, but now, seven months later, its all good.  Remember singing is exercise.  And we use muscles for it.  lots of em.  Its a good workout and you have to build all that back up and learn how to put pressure on your diapragm without all that fat in the way!  It will get better!  I promise! :0

Classically trained here as well.  I've actually noticed I have a lot more stamina and better control.

I will say that I'm a bit concerned about how my voice cracks.  it's like I have a higher mucus build up for some bizzare reason.

One of my big weigh loss goals was that once I got down to a weight I was personally happy with I would go back and start auditioning for musicals.  

Good Luck!

Oh well the mucus thing REALLY SUCKED.. and to get out a sustained note too long with out cracking totally useless... I talked to a vocal specialist today on the way to work and I have an appointment next week. She said that she has seen MANY post ops with the same problem. LAP BAND specifically. That seam to have trouble after surgery. She most of the time its just a matter of retaining and learning to use it a little differently.. So hopefully I fall into that category.

Thanks for the input. We'll have to chat sometime.

 Wow.  This would explain alot for me, as well.  I haven't sung professionally in several years so pretty much have rust in my sinuses, but I have noticed that I have very little breath support and can get a little pitchy.  It's also good to know that it can change.  I keep thinking that once I'm feeling better about myself, I want to get myself up on that stage again.  Hey, we could put a show together and take it on the road!

Thanks for the show of support.. Just knowing there are others out there that share the problem is great.... Read my last post above after I see the doctor I'll post the out come.