"Fat Cow" in the pool (help!)

I have been at the YMCA for swimming lessons (which didn't help) but while I was there (when I was in my larger form) there were people of all size and age ranges.  I never heard any insults or seen anyone making fun.

I guess it all depends on the area and the age range.  The people there were mostly older and was doing water aerobics.   This was also at night around 7:30 or so.  So, that most likely was a factor.

I'm not a swimmer, but I do water aerobics at my local fitness gym and have not encountered any problems. To my WLS family out there we have earned the right to wear swim suits. We have sacrifice to get where we  are on this journey  so WLS family hold your head up  go for the swim wear your suit don't worry about the stares, glances ,or the looks. Say to yourself I'm taking the plunge because I earned it.

Lean and Fit
OH Support Group Leader
Cynthia (Texas)

I don't know what to suggest here. I'd make friends with someone who has a private back yard pool - if I wasn't thick skinned enought to handle the comments. Of course, an outdoor pool will only help for a few months where I come from. After that, it would be back to the Y for me - & grow a thicker skin.

Andrea

I am lucky, I was given a pool last year, so at least in the summer time I can swim in my back yard.  I am also a member of the YMCA and they offer water aerobics classes that are wonderful.  I am not a big fan of swimming.

I think the best way to swim is to go into the building, into the lockerroom and into the pool knowing that you are doing something good, positive, contructive and life-affirming for yourself.  It's about personal perception. 

We're overly sensitive when we are obese, since our "issue" is out front for everyone to see.  But rest assured, everyone has an issue, but not everyone is secure enough to handle it, deal with it or face up to the cruel, nasty and insensitive world in order to better themselves.

Take comfort and triumph in your efforts to do the best thing for yourself, not pain in the stupidity of others.

Our local Y has water aerobics during the day, mostly older, overweight adults attend. It's really nice to feel like you're in a safe environment to be able to exercise. No one has ever made me feel uncomfortable when I'm there during the day, but believe me, I'd never go there at a size 26!

I don't know that finding the "perfect pool" is possible... maybe.

I think, for myself at least, it was more about accepting who I was and not being willing to let the opinions of other dictate what I would or wouldn't do.  It's not easy, I know that.  Everyone is different.

My suggestion to anyone looking would be to find a local gym or Y or whatever, and call and ASK what programs they have and what time(s) the pool is emptiest, etc.  Be willing to do the legwork, as it were, to find a place where you'll be comfortable.  Noone else can do that for you!

~wendy

i don't think there is a real safe zone. there's alot of stupid people in the world, but we hurt ourself's more and usually first.

I tended never to go to a pool that was near my home or area as for some reason it bothered me if I saw someone I knew there and they said something.  To go on vacation or some place where I knew no one, I didn't know the people so therefore, didn't care so much about their comments.  I always felt comfortable at the pool in my mom's retirement community perhaps seeing if one of them would allow you to use their pool at an off time? 

I'm not a good one to ask - I can't swim!  Not a stroke.  However, at least if I try now, it wouldn't take 3 lifeguards to pull my behind out.

People can be very cruel.  It's an unfortunate fact of life.  I've heard the "fat cow" phrase when going for a walk.  It's humiliating.

I agree with some of the other posters - a lot of the water aerobics at the Y or ones tailored for arthritics are way more accepting.  We're kind of fragile as we embark on our journey of weight loss.