Armband Tattoo and WLS

I have 5 tattoos - and most of them won't be affected if I get to have plastics to remove the excess skin.....but my arm band (it dosen't go all the way around) may get nicked in the skin removal....... Can we tell the doctor to try and save the tattoo? I really don't want to have to get it touched up - it hurt enough when I got it!!! LOL I'm basically refusing to think about having "belt plasty" because the MOST sentimental tattoo is the one on my lower back that would get messed up. (It's a butterfly that has my mom's eyes on it....I wish I could post a picture....but I'm so computer illeterate!!!) If I can get it done without them messing up the tat I won't hesitate....but I'm not willing to let that one go!!! (My mom's only been deceased of a year!) Well....I had to put in my $.02!!!!

Hey Dee Dee, I would talk about it with your surgeon, tell him/her how important your tattoos are to you and see what he/she says. Maybe there is another option that does not require them to remove as much skin. Plastic surgeons deal with things like that alot im sure!! With love. Em

Maybe the incision could be above the lower back tat and pulled up? They do pull up and down when doing the belt cut. When it comes time for the plastics I would look for a surgeon who #1 is expierenced with WLS patients and #2 has tats or is supportive of saving them if possible. KWIM? Perhaps your local tattoo parlors will know of any local surgeons to you who are inked themselves and they could pass on your name and number? I know I am really stretching here but I am just trying to help... I know several docs who are inked or who support saving tats if possible... of course they are all military! Hehehe... Blessings~ Jamie