OK, so I waited a bit past 3 years. BUT this (which is from the musical Wicked) really represents my philosophy about weight loss and maintenance. Despite being 295 lbs, having PCOS, and my body periodically breaking, I have kept this weight off. Despite being the girl who had to struggle to walk the required mile in high school, I run 5Ks now in just about 30 minutes. And this year, I will do a pull-up.

The tattoo is on my right upper rib cage area - on my side, essentially where the band of a bra would go. It's not going to be visible to almost anyone unless I'm naked, which is OK, because it's really just a reminder for me.



Lyrics from the actual song:

Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules
Of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes: and leap!

It's time to try
Defying gravity
I think I'll try
Defying gravity
And you can't pull me down!

I'm through accepting limits
''cause someone says they're so
Some things I cannot change
But till I try, I'll never know!
Too long I've been afraid of
Losing love I guess I've lost
Well, if that's love
It comes at much too high a cost!
I'd sooner buy
Defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye
I'm defying gravity
And you can't pull me down.

So if you care to find me
Look to the western sky!
As someone told me lately:
"Ev'ryone deserves the chance to fly!"
And if I'm flying solo
At least I'm flying free
To those who'd ground me
Take a message back from me
Tell them how I am
Defying gravity
I'm flying high
Defying gravity
And soon I'll match them in renown
And nobody in all of Oz
No Wizard that there is or was
Is ever gonna bring me down!

Squee!!! Love it so much!!!!

I adore it, Amanda, and it's just so -- you! What a beautiful and meaningful remembrance of all your hard work and all you've achieved!

How amazing! I love it!!!
I've been thinking of getting a tattoo to commemorate getting to goal but I just can't decide what to get. I want something like you that will signify my journey and the whole change in my life, and I know I'll just know when I find it, but still looking.

Love it Amanda; it's perfect! Enjoy it.

Love it!

Love it! What a fantastic gift and reminder to yourself of all you've achieved.

Oh, that is my motivation song too!! Love the tattoo!

LOVE IT!! I am also a bit past three years maintaining.

I got my tattoo about 2 years ago. It signified many changes in my life including my losing weight. It is very special to me and I am glad I got it.

Oh, ouch! It looks so sore!

Love the sentiment! (Not a tattoo person myself)

It looks great, and signifies a great accomplishment. It's also very inspirational for me, so thanks for sharing!

Congratulations on 3 years of maintenance!

Thanks, guys. I'm really, really in love with it.

You know, it's red. But I was expecting it to hurt WAY WORSE than it did. Apparently I am kind of hardcore, because the ribs are supposed to be one of the most painful spots to tattoo (or so everyone tells me). But it wasn't ever any worse than "uncomfortable". It really wasn't very painful at all. The artist said it was red because I'm so pale there, in an area that never sees the sun, and that's a sensitive spot of skin regardless.

Nice ink Amanda, it's symbolism suits ya!

Funny, I thought the ribs might be one of the most uncomfortable spots. I think I'd wiggle way too much... a bit ticklish there. Was that a problem?

Very cool and awesome!! Glad to know it wasn't that painful!