Julia, I used to smoke to and it didn't seem to affect my voice, I'm also in excess of 300#s. I can't sing for nothing anymore. I pray that my voice will return after surgery and I lose weight. I don't sing well anymore, but I still sing , just not in front of anyone. I don't know if you read this still, but if you do let me know if you get your singing voice back OK? Thank's God Bless, Annette

Thanks Jen.. I appreciate your good wishes for a smooth surgery. I'll keep everyone posted! And will also keep you in my prayers that your surgery will come quickly for you! Julia

Wish I had an answer for you, but I've yet to even get close to my surgery But I will be praying for you to have a smooth ride and the ability to sing til your hearts content!! Jen

HI there, At the time I wrote this I thought I would have surgery about Feb 2004, but my insurance caused me to jump through too many hoops so I am just now getting ready to talk to a surgeon. In fact, I am going to get an ultrasound in a little over an hour. This is the last test to take before I am scheduled to talk to the surgeon. I have lost some weight since then but it is not such a significant amount so there is not really a difference in my voice right now. I look forward to a year from now when I will have had (I hope) 9 months to lose weight after surgery. I see your date is next week, so good luck.

6 years ago.. i was thinner.. and I smoked. and my voice was beautiful. Now I'm over 300 pounds... and have been a non smoker for 5 years... and my voice is terrible!!! I feel like my cords are fried... i'm thinking from Gastric reflux. My breathing is terrible... I cannot sustain the notes like I used to. I'm praying that my surgery on the 13th will help me get my voice back... and the range that I used to have. I'd wouldn't care how I look singing in front of people... as long as I could sing. Someone tell me please that there is hope! Julia