Does anyone swim regularly for exercise?

I'm struggling with finding a mode of exercise I can stick with. I'm thinking of joining the YMCA, because I have always liked to swim. (Though all I do is a glorified dog paddle.) I have lost 80 pounds, but I currently weigh 305, so I have far to go. I have not had surgery, and am hoping I can avoid it. So I won't have any surgery-specific issues, if there are any. Anyway, I wish folks who have done it would talk about swimming - did it help you tone, did it make you hungry, did it affect your weight loss pattern, etc. What I'm thinking about the whole horror of being seen in a bathing suit is - this is something I have to do for me, and people who have nothing better to do than stare at me can go jump. Of course, I might change that tune after one visit. Thanks in advance for your replies!

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