"Fat Cow" in the pool (help!)

"I still do not go to public swimming pools, mainly because I'm too self-conscious of my varicose veins and loose skin, however, when I did go many moons ago pre-op, I went to a water aerobics class offered at my local YMCA.  These classes are mostly seniors so I didn't feel concerned or that I would be teased. Going to a public pool, like a "Y" before 9 a.m. probably has a lot less kids there to speak without a filter about another person's body, but no real safe place from adult ignorance either."  

Hey, thanks a mil for your reply.
YCMA -- $10/mo for national membership -- or anything like that?
How much extra did they charge for the water aerobics class?

I'm getting (as I thought in my original post) that the "mostly seniors at this time" angle is probably one of the stronger themes any interested members could benefit from here.

On a side note -- how do use OH mags? Do you have a physically meeting group that you pass them out to like, once a month? How many (in your group?).  One initiative we have is for when we get articles from professionals that we try at least now and then to vet the topics from the member perspective to shed light and hopefully educate readers and authors a like. 

 This was about 10 years ago, but at the time it was the Downtown Oakland (CA) Y and the monthly membership was $55 (it was a three story gym complete with pool.  Nothing extra for using the pool or taking the water aerobics class.  

Some of the things I enjoyed about doing the water aerobic class with seniors was (1) I was one of the youngest in the class and (2) they've got their own loose skin and varicose veins so mine fit right in! =)

Our group is an independent, peer support group that has been meeting in person monthly for over 9 years at the San Leandro Hospital.  (I founded it 9 years ago and run it as a community service activity; I'm not paid by the hospital, we just meet there because my uncle was a surgeon there at the time.)  

For the magazines, I put them out on a table and it's first come, first get.  People bring them back for others to share.  We get 15 issues at a time but average anywhere from 30-50 people per meeting.  I'm relieved that people are so willing to recycle and share with other members, phew.  Our group has several hundred members but not everyone (even me) is able to attend each month.  We have over 150 on the OH Group Page alone.  If you have any specific issues by "professionals" you'd like me to run by members for feedback, e-mail me separately at [email protected]. Our next meeting is July 17.  We often reference stuff in the issues as it seems that what folks want to talk about tends to be in one of the recent issues.

Lemme know,
Kimberlee

At 526 pounds I went to the local rec. center and did the water aerobics there.  I would get into the water with my oxygen tank.  No one EVER said a word to me.  Some people are gonna run there mouths no matter what.  Those people need "popping" in my opinion!!  How rude!!!  That sort of behavior does hurt!  I could go on and on about this topic, but I'm not going to.  Things like this, really get my blood to boiling.

Tammy Parker
Shelbyville, Tn
OH Leader

I have avoided the pool, the beach...anything that requires a bathing suit for many years, and still do.  Even after my weight loss, I am not comfortable in a bathing suit, and for that reason, don't get into situations where one is needed.  (Definitely a personal decision.)  That said, I have heard good things about the YMCA and the various water programs they have going, which oftentimes involve older, more mature people who understand that we don't all look like we should be in the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated! 

Jackie hit on something that I agree with completely -- the offenders (the ones who make the hurtful remarks) forget about their remarks shortly after saying them.  Those of us who are on the receiving end aren't able to do that....words hurt more than people realize.  :(

When i get in the pool they all scream " tidal wave" but no big deal

I never have any problems at the Fitness USA when I attend there water aerobic class. there are a few WLS patients that attend there also.

I don't swim. The local Y has a pool that is for seniors that any adult can use.  Also, there are water arobic classes for those who are dealing with joint issues. I would wear shorts and a t-shirt, if I did want to swim.

I know it' can be difficult. My neighborhood has a swimming pool that is opened during the summer months. Every hour during the first 15 minutes the kick all the kids out for adult swim. It's a great time to swim laps if you want. There is also a water aerobics class twice a week.

I know that the local gym has a swimming pool as well. Any gym would love for larger people to go regularly and try to address their weight.

Now let's get real. Can we ever stop stupidity? Will there ever be a time when we can go somewhere and ensure that a comment will not be made about our weight good or bad? Probably not. We didn't get into the state we are in over night and we won't resolve the situation that fast either. I'm not saying it'sright but we should have a vision toward the future and what our lives are going to be like. When we allow OTHER PEOPLE'S comments to affect us so deeply as to impact whether we go outside and participate in the game of life, we let the losers win! These are people we will never see again. They are actually quite unimportant. Why are their opinions of us so important? Does it really matter that they think we're a fat cow? Would it have made it better if they used politically correct language? What if they just had a look of shock on their face? Wouldn't we just have had some other reason to feel self conscious? I think there's a point where we have to decide to be POSITIVE. There are many unhappy and unmotivated fat people in this community. They have WLS and become unhappy and unmotivated thin people. Decide to change yourself on the inside.

If you focus on all the foods you cannot eat, the activities you cannot do and the negative things people seem to say, you will be a miserable person. Instead, make the most out of the foods you CAN eat and the things you can do. Concentrate more on the compliments you get from the people that matter most in your life. Those that know you and see you everyday. The ones that actually see the weight loss and can appreciate the effort you are putting in.

What really matters is how you feel about yourself. Not what other people think of you. Buy a mirror and look at it regularly. Learn to like what you see. You have to live with that reflection for a long time!

Hi,

Public pools and even health club pools can be a challenge for anyone with weight issues.  I know we are very sensitive to the comments of others.  Some of the folks here have some great ideas.  Hotel pools are ideal.  If there is a 24 hour fitness center near you, maybe a late evening swim or early morning swim would work.  A friend who has a pool is another option.  I think water exercise is very important and I also feel that having an attitude of "I'm doing this to get healthy and stay healthy regardless of who says what" is a good mental attitude to have.  Good luck!

I have a little bit of a problem isolating obese people.  Although they may be more comfortable, I would much rather our society embrace morbidly obese and stop passing judgment and making comments.  Especially when they are trying to exercise!!!  My advise is to try and stay strong and swim where ever you have access.  The main thing is to make sure the ladders, steps, equipment are suitable and can keep you safe.