I am new to this forum and I am so glad that I found this place! Anywho, I have a very physical job at a shipping company and I am a voice major. For work, I must be able to lift and carry 75lbs, bend down, and stand for long periods of time. Is 3 or 4 weeks off work really long enough to recover? Then there is the singing which requires using abdominal muscles to push air out. This isn't a procedure I should have during the school year, right? I take about five voice classes per semester. Also, I am going to a seminar tomorrow, are there any questions (besides maybe the ones I just asked) that I might not think to ask?

To start off with nothing will ever be the same again....lol

75 lbs..wow..That will take some time. You really don't want to tear your sleeve or anything else. This is major surgery..It takes time for it to heal and the scars to heal..They heal from the inside out....

The singing part I don't see an issue after 3 or 4 weeks..But they are not going to let you lift 75 lbs. so soon after they have done the procedure...

Ask about support after the surgery

Ask about pain meds...which is safest

Ask about complications after surgery

Ask about Vitamins

What is successful barbaric surgery

How do I know if I am getting the proper care

How long before I will feel better

Is everyone different in responding to this surgery

There is some

Edited December 17, 201312 yr by RJ'S/beginning

Thanks for your input Rj, I am excited to begin this journey, but I want to be well informed.

I'm a singer. I made the mistake of taking a job about 10 days after surgery. It wasn't my best work but it was fine. I'm almost 8 weeks out and I've been working church jobs with no problems after that slightly rocky start. The worst part was breath support for the first week or so. I also had a hiatal hernia repair and that probably made it worse.

At 6 weeks I was cleared to start lifting weights again. I will be honest and say I have started with lower weights, like 35-40 pounds. I could have done more but the point is working up slowly.

Good luck!

I'm a singer. I made the mistake of taking a job about 10 days after surgery. It wasn't my best work but it was fine. I'm almost 8 weeks out and I've been working church jobs with no problems after that slightly rocky start. The worst part was breath support for the first week or so. I also had a hiatal hernia repair and that probably made it worse.

At 6 weeks I was cleared to start lifting weights again. I will be honest and say I have started with lower weights, like 35-40 pounds. I could have done more but the point is working up slowly.

Good luck!

Your a singer...how interesting!