"Fat Cow" in the pool (help!)
People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas. ~Author Unknown
Jackie
Unfortunately, I do not have any suggestions, but let me give some examples also.
I was 385 pounds as a freshmen in high school and we were REQUIRED to take swim class for 12 weeks at two different 6 week intervels. So each of the 6 week periods I was with new classmates of all four grades. The school did not have a swimsuit big enough to fit me the "right" way, so I had to squeeze in to their biggest size with lump and bumps and rolls coming out of every place they could pop out of. That was so embarrassing and to think that boys and girls were seeing this and this is something that had been hidden from all to see behind big clothes that were not tight. Now here I am at 14 years old with anyone who came to the pool to see me in this fashion. I was devistated. I was called all kinds of names and could hear them all, no one was quiet at all. I could not tell you how many day I went home crying to my mom about how mean those kids were to me and how they would make fun of me. My mom would say, then do something about it, or suck it up. I got so tired of hearing that, but soon realized that I was not getting any sympathy from her. No matter what I had to complete the class and eventually they left me alone cause it was no longer any fun cause I would not show that it bothered me anymore. I kinda became immune to it.
As time when on and I became a adult, things did not get any easier when it came to swimming. Although I had a suit that covered EVERYTHING, the remarks still came. Most of the time it came from younger kids. Or teens who were just being down right mean. I still would let it get me upset and then I realized, I had to consider the source. Look at who is saying those things. Their parents probably did not teach them how to be respectful regardless what you saw or felt. I was taught don't always say what you are thinking, but I guess some still had not figured that out.
So I am sorry that I do not have any suggestions as to wear to go swim and not have to deal with those types of people, but they will be everywhere you go no matter where or when you go. But always remember to consider the source.
Pre-op: 346/Current: 144/ My Goal: 165/ Dr. Goal 160/ My New Goal: 145, Surgery Date: March 12,2008
Panni Removal May 28, 2010, Revision to Panni Removal December 23, 2010 with Dr. Thomas Southern, Indianapolis, Indiana
GOAL REACHED 11/29/2009
New GOAL set @ 146 pounds!!!! Reached second goal, now at 144, it's all a number game now!!!
The beauty of a woman is not seen through what she wears. It is seen through how she carries herself and the way she doesn’t allow herself to settle. Don’t ever let anyone take for granted the beauty that is within you. Stand firm and know that you’re a wonderful person. Always remember your value and respect yourself. I’m so blessed to have you in my life. Sometimes we all need to be reminded how special we really are!
Oh Leigh Ann that breaks my heart. I don't know how you lived through that. It makes me even sadder that you didn't have a soft place to fall. I remember distinctly thinking as a child that one of the reasons I wanted to be an adult was because no one could MAKE me do anything like that. I didn't get really big until my 20's but being made to perform at a piano recital with severe stage fright was more than I could deal with. I can't even imagine having to be in swim class under those cir****tances and it makes me wish I could give you a really long hug....a hug that would be for that young girl in high school that was treated so badly. I'm really sorry you had to do that and I hope things are definitely looking up for you now. Bless your heart. I just avoided it. I didn't own a swimsuit for 30 years and never knew what a hot tub felt like because they weren't invented the last time I wore a swimsuit. I've made up for lost time indeed. I just wanted to say that I'm sorry you had to endure that.
hugs, Y
Open RNY 3/30/01 260lbs - 130lbs Yvonne McCarthy, CLC. Health & Wellness Coach (full time volunteer). I am happy to help if I can. Visit www.bariatricgirl.com and see the Bariatric Girl blog! Also check out my Facebook Bariatric Girl Page. Photography site www.yvonnemccarthy.com .„ø¤º°¨ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ¨°º¤ø„¸¸„ø¤º°¨„ø¤º°¨ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ¨°º¤ø„¸¸„ø¤º°¨
Teri
hugs, Y
Open RNY 3/30/01 260lbs - 130lbs Yvonne McCarthy, CLC. Health & Wellness Coach (full time volunteer). I am happy to help if I can. Visit www.bariatricgirl.com and see the Bariatric Girl blog! Also check out my Facebook Bariatric Girl Page. Photography site www.yvonnemccarthy.com .„ø¤º°¨ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ¨°º¤ø„¸¸„ø¤º°¨„ø¤º°¨ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ¨°º¤ø„¸¸„ø¤º°¨
I like Teri's comment and am glad to hear that you were able to be assertive and direct with this child. Also, clearly the apple does not fall far from the tree by mom's response...
Dr. Lindsey Ricciardi is a licensed clinical psychologist and member of OH's Mental Health Advisory Board. By posting, she makes no promises, guarantees, representations, or warranties, expressed or implied, and assumes no duty or liability with regard to the information contained herein. This post is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. No professional services are being rendered and nothing is intended to provide such services or advice of any kind. No informational post can take the place of seeking professional help. If you need professional help, seek professional services or dial 911. For more info on Dr. Lindsey visit www.mindbodybariatrics.com.