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I'm so sorry to hear about your son but I absolutely love your idea and tattoos are very personal to me also. It's a lovely way to mark your son's presence with you always. I would not go back near the 1st tattoo parlour again. He doesn't sound like the type of artist who puts his client first. Both mine took a good while to complete so it's so important to find the right person who will guide you through it and be supportive of you. Do what you want to do and take your time choosing the right one for you. I was ages thinking about the exact ones I wanted and I am still happy with my decision l years later because of the meaning behind them. Stick to your own feelings and ideas and you won't regret what is the right design. You could never regret your idea that you already have in your mind. Speaking of the stigma and older generation... my mother found out about my 1st one years ago and to this day is still not happy about it. She doesn't know about the 2nd one at all. She is so worried about what the undertaker will think of me! Lol!!! I on the other hand will not be concerned one bit. It makes me chuckle everytime I think about her reaction! Look after yourself and you won't go wrong! 😘

Go for it! My 2 tattoos are still perfect because of where they are (outer thigh). I have lost 168 pounds in total. The only thing that happened was they are slightly smaller now than when done prior to surgery. I have no issue with distortion at this point and I am not going to be getting skin removal done. If the tattoos were on my abdomen though or chest area it would be a different scenario altogether as the loose skin there is horrendous and will need surgery to remove the excess. Choose wisely about where you get yours. Best of luck

Hi I'm due for surgery next week. Doing OK with the pre op diet. Getting very nervous about the surgery. Dr Chris de Bruyne is my surgeon and I've done so much research on him and the surgery. I've been struggling with my weight for 20yrs. 6 years ago I lost 6.5 stone through diet and exercise but struggled to keep it off. I'm now back to my weight prior to 6 yrs ago and worrying that the unhealthy diet I did previously will inhibit my weight loss after surgery. I'm travelling from Ireland and would love to hear anyone's story about traveling to Belgium. Looking forward to getting to know you all! Sent from my SM-G930F using the BariatricPal App

This forum needs to be open to everyone not just the book perfect people. I struggle each day also but am winning the battle slowly but surely. I also have IBD so i understand completely about that aspect of your struggle! Fingers crossed it gets easier for us both. I'm only a few weeks ahead of you! Sent from my SM-G930F using the BariatricPal App

Great to hear you have a date set so soon. It'll be a huge help to you by slowing down your eating before surgery. The hunger is non existant after surgery for me anyway. I have to force myself to eat. I've got no problem drinking though at all but for the first few week i struggled with fluids. I found it easier to drink room temperature then. However now i can tolerate all temps with no issues. I was only able to sip in the initial stages and was always thirsty and was wondering if I would ever be able to quench my thirst again. By week 3 i was flying though. If you want any info let me know. Wish i did it sooner! Sent from my SM-G930F using the BariatricPal App

Delighted to hear from someone else from Ireland on here! My surgery was so easy to recoup from. I was flying around in no time. I have lost 4 stone 7 pounds in 13 weeks and amazed at how well i am doing so quickly. I do struggle with food though as i was a fast eater prior to surgery so that has caused me to be sick a number of times so far. I've got no problem getting all my fluids in so haven't had any major problems. My biggest problem at the moment is not having clothes. Not complaining about that though! I'm trying to hold off buying much at the moment. How are you getting on now?? Sent from my SM-G930F using the BariatricPal App

Ireland! Sent from my SM-G930F using the BariatricPal App

I started back my daily 3 mile walk on day 6 post op. But I was always doing this prior to surgery. Had no problems with this at all and my recovery was simple for me. Completed a 5k fast walk as a fundraiser 5 weeks post op. Started back swimming at 4 wks post op. I was always active prior to surgery. I am part of a choir and went back to rehearsals within 1 wk of surgery. The singing I had been doing had been really beneficial to engaging my tummy muscles early on to get back where they should be. I sing everyday so my muscle tone is there I was just morbidly obese on top of it! My breathing has improved hugely since my surgery. Sent from my SM-G930F using the BariatricPal App

I have 2 tattoos on the outer thigh of both legs. The skin there won't change as much as the inner thigh. Be careful with where you decide! Both tattoos are still perfect! Fingers crossed! Sent from my SM-G930F using the BariatricPal App

Month 1: 28 pound loss Month 2: 21 pound loss Just heading into month 3. Starting weight was 285 pounds Best of luck with the surgery! Sent from my SM-G930F using the BariatricPal App

The MGB is reversible. Specifically spoke to my surgeon about this. The larger portion of the stomach cut away is left in place during the surgery unlike the sleeve on the other hand where the larger part is removed. Sent from my SM-G930F using the BariatricPal App

I had the exact same feeling up until week 4. Try to sip the drink and it helps. I couldn't tolerate cold drinks but room temperature is much easier for me. Experiment with Temps and sip slowly. You'll master it very quickly Sent from my SM-G930F using the BariatricPal App

Hi I'm just 17 days post op. Have crohns disease and I have been able to come off my medication since my surgery. I too worried about the surgery. Have not been suffering from acid reflux as of yet and hopefully I don't experience it. My surgeon recommends taking ppi meds for life after mgb. Feeling great since my op. Have not experienced any issues with vomiting or diarrhea since either. I'm really careful with what I put in my body out of fear of dumping. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do. I was 2 yrs contemplating the surgery and now regret not doing it sooner. Sent from my SM-G930F using the BariatricPal App

Definitely follow up on your pain. I'm 1 week post op and I was back sleeping on my tummy on day 4! Couldn't get comfortable any other way to sleep. Have minimal pain / odd sensation if I attempt anything I shouldn't!! Take care of yourself and keep us posted Sent from my SM-G930F using the BariatricPal App

Best of luck today with your surgery. It will go perfect. I had that same feeling a week ago for my surgery. It will be over before you know it. Try to relax if you can. I was surprised at how easily I got back moving afterwards. Xx Sent from my SM-G930F using the BariatricPal App