Hello!

Hi all. Just found this board. I have no tats at all, but as I get close to my goal I keep thinking about it. I would want something small, meaningful. Keep in mind too, I'm a mom and nearing 40, so I don't know... nothing too extravagant. you all have any good ideas of what would be good as a design like that? Of course butterfly comes to mind, but it seems too ordinary, in a way. KWIM? What would be a good representative of change and transformation?? Thanks for any suggestions! Kim

So glad you found us Kim!!! A butterfly is a very common symbol of transformation...who cares if it's ordinary...if you like it, find an artist that will do a custom butterfly...in YOUR colors to symbolize your journey, and nobody else will have the same one ever!!! I know when i was tattooing, I spent a lot of time online looking up symbols from my client's particular heritage...almost every culture has symbols and legends of change and transformation and pride....maybe find something a bit more obscure and personal...lol... Being a mom and nearing 40 shouldn't be a factor in choosing a design that is meaningful to you...you only live once, and motherhood, major weight loss etc. are some of the most admirable challenges in life...wear your "badge of honor" with pride...afterall, you earned it! xxxbecca

Hi Kim! Welcome to the Tattoo Board! I agree with Becca, no age is too old to get inked Butterflies can be beautiful tattoos, especially when done really personally with a great artist. You can also search for other symbols of transformation and change and you will know when you find the right thing for yourself. Look for an artists whose work you can see either in person or portfolio, and one that you like, because you may end up spending A LOT of time with them if you get the tattoo bug And last bit of advice, you may think smaller is better, but bigger is better, the detail is better and i find the tattoo looks better over many years if it's larger. hugs, Inky

Hi Kim - I just found this board too. I had been camping out on the Vertical Sleeve board for so long that I forgott hat there was all these other boards out there. I am just like you...a mom of 3, nearing 40, and I have been too scared to get a tattoo up to this point. But with getting WLS I feel like I finally have something in my life worth the permanent ink. I am still pre-op so I won't be getting anything for at least a year. I'm still in deciding mode... someone mentioned getting a "Pixie" because they are small and light and it would remind her how good it feels to be thin. I kinda liked that idea. I'm still trying to figure out WHERE on my body to get one. I want to be able to cover it because I'm a chicken but I want to be able to see it.

CONGRATS on your success!!! A tattoo is a great way to forever remember your hard work!!! ...I know all about trying to perfectly place a special tattoo!!! Your Upper thigh, and hip are places you could get tattooed so only you can see it...tops of your feet, shoulder blades (that would be cute...like the fairy was sitting on your shoulder!)... Be sure to show off the design you decide on! xxxbecca

I agree with Spooks... if you want a butterfly, get it... who cares if it's common? Getting a custom design is one way to make it your own, or you can mix it up a bit... maybe have the butterfly breaking out of the chrysallis instead of just a fluttering butterfly. Get creative, the important thing is that it symbolizes something personal for you and really speaks to you. Suns, faeries, and birds can also be "rebirth" symbols and can be made pretty small without losing detail. Don't worry about being a mom or nearing 40... my 70yo neighbor just got inked and I think she looks marvelous

tee hee..."spooks"...i love it! xxxbecca