has anyone ever considered getting a tattoo as a reward for their weight loss?

has anyone ever considered getting a tattoo as a reward for their weight loss?

maybe the CC logo with your starting date inside of it or something...  any other ideas for a tattoo?

or any other ideas as a reward?  a reminder that would always be there?

i think i'm too scared to get a tattoo...  :(

Can't think of anything worse, personally   I don't think they look good on anyone.... except possibly Popeye.  Besides which many who have lost weight will regain it within 18 months so it could backfire.  Like when the boy has 'Molly' tattooed on his arm but breaks up with her three weeks later! LOL!

I decided to get a tattoo when I reach my goal weight, but I have a lot of tattoos already so it's not as big a deal for me as it would be for you. If you do decide to get a tattoo here is my advice:

1. Be at least 25- there is less of a chance you'll pick something stupid like a rose, butterfly or any Loony Tunes character.

2. Really pick something that means something and can be timeless- don't pick something out of the flash books, tattooists generally buy those and most of the motifs are pretty generic.

3. Tribals are OUT. And have been for a long time. Unless you are Maori, don't.

4. Don't get one just to be "cool" in fact it's probably a lot cooler now days not to have one.

5. Don't look for a "deal",  pick a great tattoo artist and pay for it, it's forever so invest.

That said, if you think you really want one go for it. It's a fun pain, you're making yourself pretty (hopefully) and it can commemorate something important like weight loss. But please don't do the CC logo...remember FOREVER.

I would echo ofelia's caution, but not gi-jane' cynicism.  Not all people regret tattoos, and it really doesn't matter if other people think they are ugly as long as YOU love it.  Also, I would say getting a tattoo to celebrate your weightloss is NOTHING like getting a tattoo of your boyfriend's name because a relationship relies on two people, and putting someone's name on you almost guarentees that they will immediately become a jerk.  However, only YOU are in charge of your weight, and maybe getting a tattoo is the kind of symbol you need to solidify your committment to keeping it off.

Ofelia's right, though.  Don't rush into it.  Maybe this isn't the right thing for a first tattoo.  Give it some time to really think it over.  Think about what your friends/lovers/future inlaws/future bosses will think and balance that with how much you will love it and how happy it will make you.  Imagine what it will look on your eighty-year-old body.

Having said all that, I got new tattoos during my weight loss journey.  I would have gotten them anyway, but they were another big part of my "claiming" my body and loving it.  I think they are really beautiful and for the rest of my life, I will look at them and think of this past summer and how I changed my life and finally became really happy with myself.

...I actually have my husband's name tattooed on me twice...ha, but he has mine too (and way bigger) but we've been married 10 years and have a daughter, so even if we get divorced (which wouldn't happen) he meant enough to me that I wouldn't mind it there forever.

But I think a lot of people rush out and get their boy/girlfriends names tattooed WAY too soon...Johnny Depp? (he got it changed to Whino Forever) Angelina? Laser sorta worked for her.

I also worked in corporate America for a while in NYC and the people there were fascinated by the tattoos and they didn't hinder me in any way...the piercings on the other hand had to go. Weird. My mother hates them, but my brother is also covered and we're the black sheep so that's that.

I like Pumpkin's "claiming my body" attitude!

After I lost 23 pounds I finally got the confidence to get hawaiian flowers tattoo'd on my back. The picture is in my gallery, hardest 3 hours fo my life but I felt like it was completely worth it.

I am getting a tattoo when I reach 180 (my high school weight....and 65lb loss)...I think it is a good idea.

I would figure out something you want, and think about it for a while....a few months even. Pick out the tattoo and the place you want it and let it marinate in your brain for a while. Thats what I did with my first tattoo (a cross on my back) and I still love it 7 years later. 

I already have my second tat planned out.....but still working on the specifics. It is something I will never get tired of seeing, my son's name.

Anyway, how would you feel twenty years from now explaining your tattoo? If you would feel proud, then it is a good idea....if not....skip it.

Different people do different things, inspirational quotes, lyrics, symbols, flowers....there are a bunch of options.

Don't be scared!!!!

Get it done in Henna first so that you can see if you want to make any adjustments...bigger, smaller, something else, somewhere else, etc.  For ~$20 and no pain it's a good idea...note: I've never done a tatoo due to pain and a changing mind, I'd probably get a stupid fairy or scroll and regret it in 10 years.

Original Post by ofeliajones:

I decided to get a tattoo when I reach my goal weight, but I have a lot of tattoos already so it's not as big a deal for me as it would be for you. If you do decide to get a tattoo here is my advice:

1. Be at least 25- there is less of a chance you'll pick something stupid like a rose, butterfly or any Loony Tunes character.

2. Really pick something that means something and can be timeless- don't pick something out of the flash books, tattooists generally buy those and most of the motifs are pretty generic.

3. Tribals are OUT. And have been for a long time. Unless you are Maori, don't.

4. Don't get one just to be "cool" in fact it's probably a lot cooler now days not to have one.

5. Don't look for a "deal",  pick a great tattoo artist and pay for it, it's forever so invest.

That said, if you think you really want one go for it. It's a fun pain, you're making yourself pretty (hopefully) and it can commemorate something important like weight loss. But please don't do the CC logo...remember FOREVER.

I love my butterfly tattoo.  I got it nearly 6 years ago and I still love it.  I don't know what's so stupid about butterflies.  I actually put a lot of thought into it, too, it wasn't an impulsive thing.  I just happen to like butterflies.

Obviously, I can see regretting getting someone's name, or something like that.  I agree with the rest of your advice.  I'd also like to add, if it hasn't been mentioned, be wary of getting a tattoo somewhere that will uh...stretch if you lose or gain weight as you get older (or as your skin gets looser!)

hmmm, snowfence, for my weight loss reward I was torn between a tatoo (permanant) or a belly ring.  I tossed around the pros/cons of both and decided on a belly ring !!!  A belly ring doesn't have to be permanant like a tatoo; if I do not like it anymore I can remove the belly ring; the belly ring can be changed and I adore shopping for body jewelry as a constant reward to maintain my weight.  The peircing itself did not hurt (didn't tickle either) and was quick; the anxiety was the worst part and the next two weeks in healing was a bit uncomfortable/sore.  Other than that, I have changed my belly ring 3 x's since December.  Fun!  Fun!!

i don't know about a belly ring.  lol  that's still the biggest part of me.

i was worried about a tattoo changing, stretching or whatever, too, but i'm already 50, so i don't think it would change too much.

thanks guys!  :D

My rule for getting a tattoo which is what I did for my current one is to grab a calendar and write exactly what you want for a tattoo on it. If you still want it 1 year later go for it.  This is a life long change so 1 year is worth it in the long run.

I personally plan on my second tattoo as a reward after I reach my goal and then keep it off after a year of maintenance.

I have a local artist I trust who touched up my current one and added to it last spring.  I'm going to have him design a new one for me with the elements I want in it.  I am not a fan of generic tattoos out of a book. It's the personal touch I love.

Hope that gives you some food for thought.

I regret my tattoo (very subtle, thankfully) and I regret not listening to those who warned me that piercings are permanent.

Getting a piercing because it's not permanent is not the right attitude. You can't just take it out and have everything go back to normal. Mine (approximately 10) have been out for years and there are still scars, holes, lumps of cartilage on my ears, and my belly button piercing gets full of gunk even though the jewellery has been out for about five years. Any advice on making them heal? How about removing excess cartilage and scar tissue? 

Long term reminders/rewards: jewellery, a vacation where you take lots of pictures to decorate your home with, laser eye surgery, a professional portrait, cosmetic dental work, or a symbolic gift that wouldn't usually fit into your budget.

I'm not against tattoos, I just think people should carefully consider it for more than a few weeks before juming in. Ofelia and pumkin made some great points, and I also love the henna idea.

Original Post by sidnaceous:

My rule for getting a tattoo which is what I did for my current one is to grab a calendar and write exactly what you want for a tattoo on it. If you still want it 1 year later go for it.  This is a life long change so 1 year is worth it in the long run.

I personally plan on my second tattoo as a reward after I reach my goal and then keep it off after a year of maintenance.

I have a local artist I trust who touched up my current one and added to it last spring.  I'm going to have him design a new one for me with the elements I want in it.  I am not a fan of generic tattoos out of a book. It's the personal touch I love.

 

Hope that gives you some food for thought.

 

That's my rule too!!! After year of pondering it I just got my roses extended from the back to the front, and I absolutely adore them....if anyone is interested it was done by Bugs, who is a simply amazing artist. He used to tattoo in London (where I am) but has now moved to LA (I got my roses extended when he was back over for the london tattoo convention). 

I seriously recommend you check out his work, and other high-level passionate tattoo artists,  tattoo haters.....it really changes your perspective. I am constantly getting told "wow I thought I hated tattoos but yours are really amazing" and as it is so pretty, I never have problems finding work etc, as it somehow still looks 'smart'. Although at this stage my tats are very coverable....I'm only 24 though I strongly doubt it , I may end up in work where they are totally unacceptable (very unlikely but still ) Also the right artist will not tattoo you if it will look terrible. ie side of the calf if you've got big calfs etc....I was terrified that getting my front done would make me look butch (I'm 5'8") but it actually has shown of the fact I have slender shoulders....as my tattooist told me it would and drew an example on me before so I could see...

A true artist will want his work to look good!!!

So basically I am just saying the same as everyone before me.....tattoos are great form of self expression and a wonderful artform but think carefully and take your time.

And the one year rule is good one to follow!!!