Question:
Singers: Have you found WLS helped your singing?

Last night I was in the car, crooning like always, at the top of my lungs and while I was singing I hit a note higher than I thought I could sing. Does WLS affect your vocal chords and singing?    — Michelle J. (posted on December 26, 2003)

December 26, 2003
What I have noticed since losing 108# is that I no longer have to practically gasp for breath when singing. I have much more room and can hold my notes much longer than before the weight loss. Congrats on your high note!
   — Jeralyn Merideth

December 26, 2003
I'm not much of singer but I once watched an interview with Aretha Franklin and she was asked how her weight affected her singing. She replied that she had a comfortable singing weight where she thought she souned best and was able to sing better and didn't become breathless. And, if you've been doing cardiovascular exercises you will probably be able to do this better because of the increased lung capacity. Just a thought! Happy Holidays!
   — Pambylah

December 26, 2003
While WLS does NOT affect your vocal chords, dramatic weight loss most assuredly aids us in taking deeper breaths. Deeper breathing usually means better singing! Glad you hit a higher note than you thought you could!
   — Try A.

December 26, 2003
YES! I've always had music in my life and love to sing. Due to my 20+ year obesity, I certainly couldn't sing as I remembered when I was a young adult. Since my surgery in 9/02, I joined my church choir and can now really belt it out. Not only has my ranged increased, but my "holding capacity" has greatly lengthened. I credit this to not only the massive weight loss (126 lbs), but also the intense exercise program in which I engage. The cardio REALLY can strengthen your heart and lung capacity. I know it has mine. I make a (much) more joyful noise than ever before. Kudos on all your notes!
   — Kimberly L. A.

December 26, 2003
YES!!! It sure has. I have more lung capacity and my diaphragm is stronger and my voice doesn't have that "heavy" throaty sound. I am a soprano, and my voice is lighter and sweeter now. Also... singing helped me recover from WLS much faster. I was able to come out of recovery with NO oxygen, and when respiritory therapy came down to my room to help me with my inspirometer, they were amazed... they said I had the most incredible breathing post this type surgery they have ever seen.
   — Happy I.

December 27, 2003
I too am a singer and have found my singing has gotten much better. I am able to take deeper breathes and sing from my diaphram at a much better rate. I don't sound so nasily anymore. I can reach higher notes (soprano) and realized I can sing 4 measures at a time instead of running out of air every 2 measures. I too, like another poster, woke up without oxegen and I know it is because of my singing lungs that I was able to get out of bed quicker and healed at a much better rate. Gotta love those deep breathing exercises!
   — Linda K.

December 28, 2003
Thank you all for such interesting posts. My voice is of baritone quality, but I am able to sing bass notes down to a low e and quite a few of the tenor notes. I would love to be able to sing as a real tenor after my surgery. I do remember that about 100-150 pounds ago (I weigh over 400 now) I really was very powerful and my tone was better. I can do well now and during the Christmas service last week was able to sing choral lines without stopping for a breath that my fellow choristers could not. It would be my guess that when I do the surgery I will probably do well based on what you all have said. Also, I can sing properly and loudly enough to cover the entire church without a microphone, although I usually do so to save my voice. I do sing from the diaphragm, breathe properly, etc so I have that all in my favor.
   — John O.