I just found this board (thanks Becca!) and think it's awesome we can all share the story of our ink. I already have several tats: a dragon on my left breast (who gaurds my heart), an angel looking into it's demon reflection on my right shoulder (reminding me of the duality of human nature), a raven flying in front of the moon on my left shoulder (one of my strongest totems), my wedding "ring", and an ivy vine twining around my left forearm (which is part of my wedding ring as it stands for fidelity and honor). I'll try to get DH to take pics so I can post them in my profile. I'm planning to get a rainbow colored puzzle piece on the inside of my right wrist so everyone who shakes my hand will know I have Asperger's (high-functioning autism). I also want to get a dancing kitties anklet because my cats are my life. When my weightloss is done and I'm through with PS, I want to get a large mechanical dragonfly on my back and a sun around my belly button (symbolizing my journey and transformation). And somewhere in there I really want to have a green apple sitting on large tome with a black serpent coiled around it (because without temptation we would never have had knowledge). I've definitely got the ink bug, but I always wait until the time is right because my tats all have personal significance and mark the milestones of my life and my driving forces.

I saw this on LA Ink and thought it was awesome and really appropriate for WLS -- a Frankenstein pin up girl. Non-girly things off the top of my head: Your favorite painting or photo (I'd love something by Escher, Giger, or Van Gogh) A cyborg ribcage, like the skin is peeled back to show the machinery Celtic Tree of Life or Tree of Wisdom Aztec calendar or sun A mythical creature (Phoenix, Griffon, Dragon, Mermaid etc) A pea**** And in case you aren't aware, the rib area is one of the most painful areas to get tattoos, and if you want something big it's probably going to take more than one sitting especially if it's full color.... but if you can handle it, it's sooooo worth it!

a phoenix?

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

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.