Question:
Anyone have any problems with tattoos looking distorted after WLS?

... I have several tattoos on my biceps and I am wondering if they are going to become distorted after I lose alot of weight?    — Joshua K. (posted on March 26, 2002)

March 26, 2002
I have asked this question before, as I am worried myself. I am still pre-op, but from what I can tell it just depends on how much weight you lose in those areas. Many people say it really just gets smaller. That would be funny! My surgery is on June 11, and I will be posting monthly pictures. If your surgery is after that, you can sure check my page for pics of my shrinking tatoos. =) http://www.geocities.com/toolgrl150/WLS.html
   — Jennifer Y.

March 26, 2002
I have also heard that they don't look bad post-op. I have one on my thigh and it hasn't changed yet (I've 'only' lost 40 pounds so far, but a lot has been from my legs). I'm not too worried about it. I am looking forward to being at goal (well for many reasons, but specifically) because I want a tattoo on my belly over my scar. I think that will be my reward for doing a scary thing, but overcoming it and making it work for me. Good Luck!
   — Angela B.

March 26, 2002
I am 6.5 months post-op and i am down 80 pounds. I have a rather large tatoo covering my lower back and upper butt. it has shrunk a little, not enough for anyone to notice.I think it looks better. I got it two years ago because I was so proud that I had lost 50 pounds. So it has beed thru me gaining that back(plus a few) and now this weight loss. I am less than 40 pounds to go. But I did take pics of it before and then one a few weeks ago so I would know if I would have to cover it up. And I am so excited that I wont have to. I hope this helps. I know mine is in a different spot. But i thought i would post anyways. Good Luck to you! Nancy
   — nkoehler88

March 27, 2002
hi joshua..i spoke to a tattoist before my wls and he said no in his opinion they didnt get damaged/altered with weightloss but he always reoutlines and recoulours mine every two years as i think it makes them look sharper and more defined ...siure it costs a bit in maintenance but i take alot of pride into the artwork that has been designed just for me and the nz sun is pretty unforgiving on colours so it just brigtens them up.possibly consider having yours re outlined and colured when at goal weight..i never get charge full price as the base is already there and they dont have to put alot of extra time as they do when they first do it... cheers and hope this helps..
   — Rachel F.

April 22, 2003
Hey Joshua!. I have all together 6 tattoos and i lots 136 lbs they still looke the same to as they did when i first got them..some of them are 12 years old..so i wouldn't worry too much about this.."Good Luck "
   — Birgit T.