[kaplods]

I love the water, and feel that the water is the perfect place for bouyant people (because fat floats). Even at nearly 400 lbs, I felt "almost normal" in the water, because the freedom from gravity, the comfort of the water cooling me off as I exercise (no sweaty overheating), allowed me to do alot more than I could on land. Don't deprive yourself of that freedom.

The only way to do it, is to do it - but mind games can work for you (or against you). You can make your brain work for you, by thinking - shouting even inside your head, that you deserve to be there at least as much as anyone else, there. Getting started is the hardest part, but once you do just do it, it can be very addictive. My dream is to be able to one day have one of those infinity pools (a very small pool, where you swim against a current, sort of like a "water treadmill") - I'd be in the darned thing most of the day (now all I need to do is save up the $20,000 to buy one - oh and get a house too).

[kiramira]

Way to go! A long t-shirt really eases the way into and out of the water, and while in the water, no one can see you anyways.
You know, your kids will remember the times that "mom got in the pool and played" now, instead of "mom never played with us at the Y". They don't care how you look, and if you can put your discomfort aside, you can create lots more memories for them. Congrats!
Kira

[Harivelo]

You go girl! I remember reading a success story about a woman who was so heavy that she could not even walk. She became slim, healthy and acting by doing Richard Simmons videos. At first she could only do the arms movements in a seated position! She was not too fat to move and neither are you !