Hi.

I don't want to sound ignorant but if I don't ask, I'll never know.

I was looking at getting a tattoo, a small one, some time between next month and December.

I am worried about the tattoo shrinking and I don't know if I should wait until after I have skin removal surgery (if I ever get to that point) to get it.

Does anyone have a tattoo? Did you get it before or after surgery? How did it look after losing weight?

I'm sorry for so many questions but this tattoo is really important to me and its not just a sudden choice, been thinking about it since I was 18 but my weight has held me back.

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Depends on the size and placement of the tattoo, and where you have the most loose skin.

I have 2 tattoos on the outer thigh of both legs. The skin there won't change as much as the inner thigh. Be careful with where you decide! Both tattoos are still perfect! Fingers crossed!

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I have tattoos and have lost major weight twice. I've gained weight and now 6 days post op with bypass. I have experienced this and my tattoos actually looked better when I lost all my weight. The ink just looks more black and fresh. Now that I've gained weight they kinda stretch but they don't lose shape. They just don't look as dark. My tattoos are on my chest and arms.

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Edited June 27, 201610 yr by PrinceVanHalen

I got a large one on my outer upper arm, then lost 50#. The tat looks great!

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I'm down 50# pre-op, about to go in and i have tattoos on each upper arm (outer). Hoping I have the same results as you guys.

My main concern is how they will look if I get the excess skin removed someday. Sounds like they really stretch the remaining skin tight and I don't want them to get all distorted. (but losing the weight is more important, ultimately)

I know nothing about tattoos, but that's not why I'm writing.

Don't apologize for asking questions, Cheyenne. Don't put yourself down because you have doubts about your questions or because you assume people will judge you or think you are "ignorant."

Have confidence in yourself. Don't devalue your thoughts, questions, or opinions. You obviously spent time and effort composing a clear, concise, and well-organized set of questions about a topic that is of interest to those in the bariatric community who share your passion for tattoos.

So, next time you post a response or start a new topic, don't apologize. Okay?

https://www.bustle.com/p/22-little-ways-women-are-expected-to-apologize-for-their-existence-every-day-30296

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/bustle/23-things-women-apologize-for-all-the-time_b_5915414.html

Edited July 18, 20188 yr by Missouri-Lee's Summit

I just realized that this is an old, archived post and the original poster hasn't even visited this forum for at least a couple of years. I hope other people will read about and learn from this thread anyway.

Go for it! My 2 tattoos are still perfect because of where they are (outer thigh). I have lost 168 pounds in total. The only thing that happened was they are slightly smaller now than when done prior to surgery. I have no issue with distortion at this point and I am not going to be getting skin removal done.

If the tattoos were on my abdomen though or chest area it would be a different scenario altogether as the loose skin there is horrendous and will need surgery to remove the excess. Choose wisely about where you get yours.

Best of luck

Although I have gotten much less fearful about things, tattooing I'm a little still, I have wanted ever since his death my son's name Kevin at the top, an sweet looking Angel and under that his birth date. May 7 1976 death date,January 11 2008 all placed on my left arm at the pulse spot. Sounds pretty, doesn't it? Would you believe I approached a tattoo artist with a shop maybe 2-3 blocks from here- he poo-pooed it, said I had a faulty commitment to tattooing? It would be small, maybe that was his kvetch, well I was doing it for me not to impress the world anyway. Pfooey on him anyway, I do have a friend and I have seen his work, he does beautiful ink, he would do it for $65 which I find reasonable. But I still,balk, remember I'm 72, my generation's mama's told us only fallen women had tattoos and never anywhere anybody could see them. Wasn't like I was planning an arrow on my upper inner thigh pointing to my lady parts after all. If I had a lover who had trouble finding the proper area, don't think I would want them. Only other one I'm pondering is a Phoenix bird, rising. from my former life and flying strong and free. But where should I put it ? IDK. But I do still yearn for my mini- angel!?

I'm so sorry to hear about your son but I absolutely love your idea and tattoos are very personal to me also. It's a lovely way to mark your son's presence with you always. I would not go back near the 1st tattoo parlour again. He doesn't sound like the type of artist who puts his client first. Both mine took a good while to complete so it's so important to find the right person who will guide you through it and be supportive of you. Do what you want to do and take your time choosing the right one for you. I was ages thinking about the exact ones I wanted and I am still happy with my decision l years later because of the meaning behind them. Stick to your own feelings and ideas and you won't regret what is the right design.

You could never regret your idea that you already have in your mind. Speaking of the stigma and older generation... my mother found out about my 1st one years ago and to this day is still not happy about it. She doesn't know about the 2nd one at all. She is so worried about what the undertaker will think of me! Lol!!! I on the other hand will not be concerned one bit. It makes me chuckle everytime I think about her reaction!

Look after yourself and you won't go wrong! ?

Yeah, Frustr8, the artist you saw sounds like a huge jerk. I've never had that experience. When you see people with tattoos you like, ask where they got them done. Did they like the artist? People are happy to chat about their ink (usually).

I'm sure you have a local artist who would love to work with you.

I plan on getting either a half or a full sleeve when I am done my journey of a Phoenix with a yellow blue and pink background and my dads handwriting I love you incorporated in it somehow