I'm about 9 months and 100lbs post surgery, a lifelong musician that I put on the back burning during my "fat" days.. I always kept writing, playing guitar and singing, however since surgery my voice, while fine talking, is missing projection and is not near as strong as it once was, I find myself struggling to sing for more than a song or two without starting to feel strain.... I can only assume this is from weakened abdominal muscles or something like that... Anybody else out there that can chime in? It's a unique problem.

Thanks!

LOL @ "chime in"

There are 2 things that could've happened:

1) Reflux damage to your vocal cords.

2) Minor damage to your vocal cords during intubation. If the first issue is not the case, you may pursue this further if you desire.

Singer/muscician here as well. Sounds like a weekened diaphragm. Some breathing and vocal excercises will help. A vocal coach could help also. I lost alot of strength while being fat but as I'm shedding weight, my voice is getting stronger.. I also practice alot. As the old saying goes "practice makes perfect"..practice but don't over do it. Make sure to warm up first. Try drinking something nice and warm and do some breathing excercises daily. If there was damage done I would think you would have problems reaching height with your voice,,are you having that problem?

I have all sorts of problems, my range is definatly not there, neither is projection or just overall power... I went to band practice and made through less than 2 songs before I was getting raspy.. This is not good.

I found this topic through the search. My RNY is tomorrow, and the only thing that frightens me is the unknown changes to my vocal range. Singing is my livelihood, and I currently am in high demand because I sing full range (a choir director's dream). I wonder what happens to the 'fat lady' after surgery... I just don't wanna be a skinny blond who once used to sing :-)