Hey Rachel, I'm posting way after you but I also LOVE musical theater. I was in Oliver in our local theater group. Today I'm trying out for the part of Maria in The Sound of Music. We'll see if I get it. I also sing in a Jazz/Big Band group Called Tsunami Swing. Have totally found that as I have been lossing weight that I have been able to sing better and have had much better breath support. So woooohoooo. I know I've seen your picture on the CA board so Hi again! Hope all is well. Smiles, Jenny Young

Hi Everybody! So there are other musicians that are heavy! I thought I was the only one! LOL This business is soooo image conscience! But somehow I made my living in the music industry most of my life. Did a little time in Las Vegas as well. I now have a day job with health bennies and thought I'd look inot WLS. I have learned SOO much! I am pre-op still but hopefully will be having the surgery very soon. Take care all! Kelly Lyles Drummer/Vocals - Bay Area, CA

Hey Steve! Thanks for your reply. I have heard from three different vocalists that WLS improved their vocal power and performance skills. I am delighted to hear this! I need this surgery to better my health, but I also want to preserve the musical part of me as well. I cannot breathe without it..Ya know? =) You have eased my mind. Thank you!

In response to the surgery affecting singing. I teach chorus at a Middle School. Was trained to teach band...trumpet and piano are my instruments, but I teach chorus and singing and love it. I have my surgery on June 1st, 2004 and have lost 53. I have to sing over my groups to teach parts everyday and I have to say that the surgery hasn't really affected my singing abilites. I would reccommend this surgery to anyone how can't lose weight and wants to make a great change in your life. Afterall music is a "seen" profession and people do discriminate according to weight also. Good luck to you all! Jamie

Greetings all, I'm brand new here but thrilled with what I'm finding! I've been singing since before I can remember apparently, my mother has it on tape =) Choir in church, choir in school, musicals, solos in church, tons of weddings, and most recently have become a paid performer at area renaissance festivals. I always thought I was a so so singer but.. in the past year people have just been drooling over it (not bragging, really, i don't have the self confidence for it) =) The harpist I do some performing with is insisting on teaching me to play the lute so I can increase my marketability. I'll give it a try and see how it goes. I'm appealing my surgery with BCBS but am very anxious for it! I'm assuming breath support will improve drastically!! Best of luck to all!