I know that it is pretty much common sense and that I should probably wait. I have an opportunity to get a tattoo, that's not that big, in 2 days which will put me at a month before surgery. I know the risks with it of it being that close. My dilemma is that it is for my grandfather and the artist with the price in my budget is moving soon so she won't be able to do it in a few months. I'm not trying to act on impulse, and I want to go about all of this the most responsible that I can. I have never had any issues when it comes to healing, I usually heal rather quickly, and the tattoo isn't going to be in a spot I have to worry about in terms of loose skin from weight loss. My doctor hasn't mentioned anything about it, and I have even brought up getting one. What do you think I should do?

13 hours ago, angieo99 said:

I know that it is pretty much common sense and that I should probably wait. I have an opportunity to get a tattoo, that's not that big, in 2 days which will put me at a month before surgery. I know the risks with it of it being that close. My dilemma is that it is for my grandfather and the artist with the price in my budget is moving soon so she won't be able to do it in a few months. I'm not trying to act on impulse, and I want to go about all of this the most responsible that I can. I have never had any issues when it comes to healing, I usually heal rather quickly, and the tattoo isn't going to be in a spot I have to worry about in terms of loose skin from weight loss. My doctor hasn't mentioned anything about it, and I have even brought up getting one. What do you think I should do?

Are you sure it would be in a place that won't be affected by loose skin? There isn't a single place on my body that hasn't been affected by loose skin..other than my scalp, hands, tops of my feet and forehead....everywhere else...loose. I have a tattoo and its right on my hip bone, I'm hoping with a panniculectomy (I can't afford a tummy tuck) it will end up being pulled a up and removed it now looks horrible. When you loose weight you get loose skin everywhere its not just as visible hanging skin everywhere.

I know you say an opportunity has presented itself.. Cost, time...etc., but I personally would wait. Use the potential for a tattoo as a reward for all your hard work in your health journey, make sure you have a canvas worthy of your art and your grandfather. Also, having a tattoo and having friends and family who also have body art I along with all of them would say make sure its the right artist, NOT the right price that convinces you. Research the artist and style you want. Save the extra money you would have on food etc., put it in a save for my grandfather and healthier body stash reward to get exactly what you want by a great researched artist when you're not rushed to get it.

Lastly, as far as surgery...the ink enters your bloodstream and also there is always a chance of reactions and/or infection, you can't donate blood or plasma for 6 months after receiving a tattoo..there is a reason. Why risk all that I'm sure you've done presurgery at this point in time for a reasonable cost?

Just my two cents, I hope it helps some. There might be others who disagree so perhaps you'll get both sides...

Edited July 18, 20251 yr by BlondePatriotInCDA

I ultimately have decided to not get the tattoo, I have worked too hard to risk anything from preventing the surgery now.

Just wanted to pop by and say (as a heavily tattooed person) - I am glad you waited! Honestly tattoos that I didn't think would be affected by loose skin have been, and also I can see moreso where I want tattoos to be now that I have lost some weight!

I hope all has gone well with you!

@angieo99 If my math is correct you are about 2 weeks out now and likely on the presurgical diet, I hope it is going well. I was glad to see you waited on the tattoo, for both the potential risks and the potential for sagging skin to affect it down the road... and I am learning 6 weeks out - it is all sagging. I have a frog on my back my daughter designed when I went through breast cancer 22 years ago... so far it is holding up pretty well. But I am already considering a new tat when I hit my goal weight! 😁 Best of luck!