Sequoia Lodge pool [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Bonnie

05-21-2005, 04:42 PM

This is probably a bit of a weird question, but never mind. I was going to ask it a few months ago but felt too silly. However I now feel a little more at ease with people here and I don't think you'd laugh at me for asking this. :)

I am currently dieting and trying to lose weight. I've lost 19lbs already (nearly one and a half stones) but I still have a couple of stones to lose before I'm at a healthy weight again. I haven't been swimming in years (since I was about thirteen, so about ten years ago) due to my lack of self confidence re: my body. But I was really hoping to go swimming next month when we're at DLRP.

I am very self-conscious (I look bad in a swimming costume, and that is not an exaggeration) and I was just wondering if you guys think the Sequoia Lodge pool is a good place for me to start swimming again. I thought it would be a good place to "break the ice" with swimming again as it's away from home and I'm unlikely to see anyone I know. The thing is, I'm still self-conscious, even with strangers.

I guess what I'm asking is this... am I likely to feel embarrassed there or are there plenty of places to "hide"? What is the lighting like? Is the pool usually busy and full of young, slim things? I don't really know what I'm asking... I just wondered what sort of atmosphere there was at the pool. Are there likely to be lots of spectators, etc.

Sorry for the REALLY weird question. I'm embarrassed. :guilty: :guilty: :guilty:

alexandra uk

05-21-2005, 04:57 PM

Bonnie - Just go for it.

Your on holiday so let your hair down and take the plunge :teeth:

Nobody will know you so its not like you've got to parade around in a costume and then face them in work the next day.

When we stayed at The Sequoia I was a size 16, and although I was no Cindy Crawford, I certainly didn't worry about people looking at my fat bum (among other things :teeth: )

I know everyone feels different - Some don't care what people think and others do, but don't let it spoil things for you.

If you don't do it now you never will :confused3

alexandra uk

05-21-2005, 05:08 PM

P.S. Well done for losing 19lbs :banana:

I know myself its real hard work.
I must say though, on your photo you don't look at all overweight.

Cyrano

05-21-2005, 05:45 PM

Bonnie, it is your holiday so therefore I'd go for swim if you want.

Well done on losing 19lbs.

Reid

diberry

05-21-2005, 05:56 PM

Bonnie I absolutely adore swimming but have lost count of how many times I've sat by the side of the pool desperate to go in but too scared to expose several hundred acres of white flesh (ewwwww - that sounds gross!!!) to the unsuspecting public!! Thing is - (a) nobody knows you (b) you probably look a whole lot better than you think you do (c) anyone even slightly slimmer will love you for making them feel good about themselves (d) nobody will care (except you possibly) and (e) life's for living !!!! Just go for it - don't waste a second worrying about how you look and - if all else fails - drag some unsuspecting fat woman in off the street and stand next to her!!!! Why do you think I go to America so often????? :rotfl2: And WELL DONE on losing so much weight already!!! :cheer2:

ely3857

05-21-2005, 07:14 PM

Hiya

Congrats on the weight loss so far!

On holiday NOBODY will know who you are so I say go for it!

I am NOT a slim girl by any means and do feel shy at my local baths but if I could guarantee nobody would know me and that there was no chance of bumping into the life guard at tesco's then I would go swimming.

:flower:

Jodie

Ware Bears

05-22-2005, 03:48 AM

I echo everyone's comments here.:sunny: I bet you don't look NEARLY as bad as you think you do. I don't think anybody ever really likes every bit of their body, even these supermodels and the like, we just learn to live with it!!! Like the others have said, nobody knows you and you're on holiday....JUST GO FOR IT!!!!!

And well done for losing so much weight.....19lbs is absolutely brilliant:goodvibes......if you are interested a few of us that are trying to lose weight have a DIS health check in on Mondays on the UK community board. Please come along and join in.....we all try to support each other and you would be very welcome.:flower:

Joanne UK

05-22-2005, 08:43 AM

I've had 2 children and I've still got saggy baggy bits all over the place! I go swimming every week with the children and I never ever look at anyone else's figures in their costumes - but maybe that's just me? I would think the majority of women at Disney have had children so I doubt whether there are likely to be too many Kate Mosses about anyway.

I say go for it - swimming is a good excercise and will help you with your weight loss.

widget

05-22-2005, 09:14 AM

I agree with everyone else. Im 41 this year, with saggy stretch marks everywhere!! The only thing that smooths out most of the cellulite is the fat content on the inside of my legs and arms!! Add to that the fact that I cant swim, you would think Id stay behind the towel but nope, its my holiday. Chance of meeting most of the other swimmers again is slim so I just take a deep breath, hold my stomach in, and head for the water PDQ!! Its not pretty but then im not there to be admired. Im there for a swim with the kids (or in my case a splash around!!) Get that cozzy on and go for it - its just a body with a bit extra flesh on same as most of the others (and well done - your body is 19lbs lighter).
SL is probably one of the darker pools in DLP. Its themed in a giant wooden hut with plants around. Its all one depth and theres an outside bit attached too (they bring a glass wall type window down to shut it off if theres cold weather or a storm outside). The outside is the brightest place but inside you come from the changing rooms, past the entrance/reception desk area, down the steps and around to the steps of the pool. Its all so busy im sure youll just slip by. If you go with confidence and just look ahead of you instead of at everyone else, before you know it youll be in the water and having fun! Yes, there are some very slim elegant women lounging around the pool but then isnt that the same everywhere in life!!
Bonnie, you seem like a very lovely girl who shouldnt worry about what everyone else is looking at. I know its easy to say, but harder to do but believe me sweetie, you look great in your piccie. If you were next to me in the pool Id be thinking, cor, shes skinny - hope she doesnt stand too close to me and make me look even bigger!! If nothing else, it will give your aching feet a rest from all that walking in the parks!!

Bonnie

05-22-2005, 12:55 PM

Thank you to everyone. :) You're all very sweet and have made me feel a bit better about things. I know that everyone says they're fat, even if they're not, but I am quite overweight (my doctor has told me so!) and the pic means nothing at all - I've never had a fat face! It's my bum, tummy and thighs. I can cope with people seeing me from the waist up! It wouldn't be so bad if I didn't have so much cellulite. Ughhh!

Ever since we booked this holiday I've been determined to go swimming (that's one of the main reasons we chose Sequoia Lodge as opposed to Cheyenne!) and I know I'll kick myself if I don't try out the pool. I'm just trying to get my head around the fact that people will be able to see my thighs. The thought fills me with absolute dread!!! I also don't have a swimming costume. The only one I have is a hot pink one from when I was a skinny little thirteen-year-old and it's covered in swimming badges. I don't think I'll be able to squeeze into that one... any tips for swimming costumes that make you look 2 stone lighter??!

Anyway... I will let you all know how it goes when I get back, anyway! I will definitely be writing a trip report and it will probably be able two billion words long, knowing me. I don't know how to be concise I'm afraid!

I shall also check out the UK community board, Elaine. :) Thanks for telling me about it! pirate:

:grouphug: for everyone. Thanks for making me feel a bit better! :blush:

Cyrano

05-22-2005, 01:12 PM

Bonnie
that's why we all like these boards :goodvibes Everyone looks out for one another.
Can't wait to read your trip report. Have a lovely time.

Reid

tmp

05-22-2005, 01:31 PM

Bonnie I totally understand how you are feeling.
Since having my two boys I have tried desperated to lose two stone but it just won't come off.Since they were born I have been swimming twice.
The pool at SL is lovely and if you get good weather when you go-not long now:teeth:-you might appreciate a dip in the pool.
I was really cross with myself for not going in when we stayed at SL but I was way too self-conscious even though there were all shapes and sizes there.I think with your girlfriends support and encouragement you can do it.
Maybe you can ask at the hotel when the quiestest times are and go then.
You can get costumes with tummy control to hold bits in;) and I think black is supposed to make you look slimmer if thats any help!
Good luck and well done for losing 19lbs.

Bonnie

05-22-2005, 02:16 PM

Thanks Cyrano and Tina! :flower:

Yes, my girlfriend is very supportive and says nobody will notice my "flabby bits" (her words!) - she has lost 27lbs herself and looks much better than I do. Oh well! And she was the same weight I am now when she STARTED dieting!

I think I am going to give it a go. Maybe I should go when everyone's in the park. :)

Bexx

05-22-2005, 02:53 PM

Sounds like you've done a great job so far - well done to you!! :Pinkbounc

As eveyone else has said, if you really want to go swimming - do it!! If you can, try to stride out of that changing room with confidence - you can do it quickly, as widget suggests, if you need to!! But be proud of how well you doing, and don't give a monkeys what anyone else thinks.

BCT

05-23-2005, 04:41 AM

Bonnie never mind the doctor DW :love: gets that thrown at her whatever complaint she has (not that she goes often).
We both need to lose 3 stone and are on the wrong side of 40 (50 in my case)
It's coming off slowly.
You go and enjoy yourself , inside you'll find most of us are just as selfconcious you are not alone.

Berwyn
6 days to go Sequoia Lodge DLRP (just DW :love2: and me) :hourglass :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

NIK

05-23-2005, 07:57 AM

Waves of sympathy and Pixie Dust coming your way Bonnie. I know EXACTLY how you feel

I've been a Chubby Chick all my life and I'm very self concious about it. Now I've got the added complication of arthritis which has distorted my legs - my knee isn't on the front of my leg any more and I've gone so bow legged I couldn't stop a pig in a narrow road :rotfl2: :rotfl:

Still, I would agree with everyone on her. GO FOR IT GIRLFRIEND :cool1: :cool1:

You are on your hols, folk are going to be having too good a time themselves to be *****y - that's what I think anyway.

BCT

05-23-2005, 08:48 AM

Bonnie
Watch those cozzies with the firming panels on the front.
DW :love: :love2: says all they do is squeeze your bladder withthe obvious reult.
You'll see moer of the inside of the Ladies than the pool.

Berwyn

P.S. good luck with the coming final xams, it's very stressful here now DS no.2 is in ^ th form doing his As exams at the end of the week we're more stressed than him I think

jodyb

05-23-2005, 09:15 AM

Bonnie,
I am going on a cruise for the first time this summer and I've been in a complete panic about buying clothes for the various dinners and events - I even have to be FORMAL for two nights. Every time I try something on I'm tempted to buy it a size smaller, for "surely I'll lose the weight by then"!
But what we both have to realize... we deserve to have a wonderful holiday no matter what the scales say, and as others have already said, you'd be surprised how many people are either in the same boat as you (or pool :)) Or they really don't care how you look and are too busy looking at their own reflections than to think much about your shape and size! And even more importantly, you are BEAUTIFUL!!!! And those who can see that are the only ones that matter in the end.

The past is gone and the future is only an illusion - you only have RIGHT NOW to enjoy your fantastic Disney holiday, and don't you DARE tell yourself that you don't deserve every bit as much fun as you would if you were your "ideal" weight! I'm sure you'll get there, but in the meantime, don't let your weight or anything else stop you from grabbing the JOY!!!!

SO.... jump in that pool and have the time of your life. In fact - please take a few turns on the really neat water slide! I've seen more than a few adults (of all sizes!!) having a BLAST on that thing. Oh, and there is a jacuzzi right next to the pool - you can walk right into it from the pool itself - very nice. If you have a Montana room, you will have a bit of a walk to the pool, so you'll want to bring "supplies" which you can stow in a locker at the pool. I preferred to shower back in the room, but lots of people bring their change of things and shower at the pool...

Have fun and don't forget that trip report!!!

:cheer2: :fish: (That's Bonnie in the SL pool) :fish: :fish: :fish: :flower:

Miffy2003

05-23-2005, 03:54 PM

Hi Bonnie,

You've had some terrific advice already and I just want to echo it. You want to enjoy your holiday to the max, and what could be better after a hard day pounding the parks to a nice cool dip?

I firmly believe that everyone is swimming pools is so worried about how they look noone ever looks at each other anyway ;)

You got for it girl. And a huge well done for losing 19lbs already :)

Karen

Bonnie

05-24-2005, 06:01 AM

Thank you, everyone! You're all so encouraging! ::MinnieMo I feel silly now for making such a fuss about it. I think I'm definitely going to give it a go. I may even print out this thread in case I get nervous at the time. :rotfl:

Thanks! I'm off swimming costume shopping with Claire this afternoon... eep!

BCT

05-24-2005, 06:20 AM

Bonnie
you shouldn't feel silly or embarrased aboutasking (I know we all do though)

We are all neighbours here even though we may live a long way apart and like neighbours we should all muck in and help each other whe needed.

good luck with the Retail Therapy this P.M. We did some pre trip retail therapy last night after DW :love: finished work . Didn't com back with much though we'd only been shopping for holiday clothes 2 weeks ago

Berwyn

5 days to go to Sequoia Lodge DLRP ( just DW :love2: and me)

Morveryn

05-24-2005, 06:20 AM

Oh Bonnie I know how you feel! :hug:
I've put on weight since I've had rheumatoid arthrits as I am unable to be as active as I was before. We are going to be staying at The Explorers & my DD is really looking forward to using the pool there.
I bought my swimsuit the other week, its a tankini kind with a vest style top & shorts bottom. I also got a swimskirt (a short, flarey skirt that you can swim in) to wrap around the bottoms for extra concealment! :teeth: I am not huge by any means but I am lacking in self confidence when it comes to exposing flesh in public.

Bonnie

05-24-2005, 07:45 AM

NIK

05-24-2005, 07:49 AM

Berwyn - I'm not looking forward to the shopping at all! I hate it! I can never find anything that fits and looks ok!

Morveryn - Your swimsuit idea sounds great! I'm not sure I've ever seen adult-sized "swimskirts"! Where did you get yours from?

I've found you can guarantee that when I go clothes shopping if I like something IT WON'T BE IN MY SIZE

It's just one of the great unwritten rules of life like the last two chocolates in the box always being the butterscotch and the montelimar [whatever that is!] and the last parking space in the car park being exactly 1/2 an inch bigger than your car so you have kittens parking. :rotfl:

BCT

05-24-2005, 08:01 AM

Bonnie
I know that feeling well living with DW, she's size 20 and it's murder getting clothes to fit. we usually end up in Bon marche, bewise or Matalan.
She loves going shopping but does nothing but complain that there is nothing to fit.

Berwyn

Morveryn

05-24-2005, 09:03 AM

Morveryn - Your swimsuit idea sounds great! I'm not sure I've ever seen adult-sized "swimskirts"! Where did you get yours from?

I bought mine in Debenhams but I have seen a few in sportswear shops too, though there doesn't seem to be a lot of choice. :confused3
There are aslo some on ebay - type in 'swim skirt' like that as two words with a space & add your size to bring up a list of whats available in your size.

DisneyRGB

05-24-2005, 03:27 PM

Bonnie

You shouldn't feel silly for asking (that's what we're all here for!) but I agree with what everyone has said - please don't let your worries spoil your holiday - if you can't let yourself go at DLP then where can you??!! I can pretty much guarantee no-one will look twice at you (I mean that in a nice way!) because everyone will be too worried about how they look! Believe me even slim people get cellulite (haven't you seem those pictures of Posh Spice, size 6 but cellulite on her thighs!) I'm a size 8/10 but am still prone to putting weight onto bum, tum and thighs like all women who have gone through puberty!! I feel a bit exposed when I'm wearing a swimming costume in front of people but just remember everyone's more worried about themselves and they won't be looking at you!

Just think how great you'll feel if you do this - and I bet you'll enjoy it loads!! Go for it!! :cheer2:

Rhiannon :wizard:

Bonnie

05-28-2005, 06:03 AM

BCT

05-28-2005, 06:24 AM

Good stuff Bonnie,
Gladyou got sorted. DW :love: had a total panic Thursday night she took all her clothes for going out and Said stuff was o.k. but nothing matched :scared1:
so it was down to George in ASDA last night and she found some nice clothes at dcent prices.
Heaven help me when the Credit card bill arrives!!!
we are off to airport hotel after lunch for half the night :sad2: 4.30am check-in at manchester .
I'll let you know about the hotel and building work etc. as soon as I get back next weekend.

Berwyn

Morveryn

05-28-2005, 06:24 AM

I am feeling a bit better today as yesterday, I went out and got a swimming costume! I don't look as hideous as I thought I'd look (though my thighs still look awful) and I'm a bit more confident about going swimming now. I ended up getting one of the ones with the little shorts and tank top like you mentioned you had, Morveryn. :) ::MinnieMo

I'm glad you bought one & are feeling a bit better about going swimming now. I don't feel quite as exposed in those tankini kinds of swim suits.

Not long to go now Bonnie -just got a phone call to say our tickets have arrived, I'm off to puck them up this afternoon! :cheer2:

Bonnie

05-28-2005, 06:27 AM

Have a fantastic time, Berwyn! :flower: I'm sure you will and I look forward to hearing all about it when you get back! Have a safe trip! ::MinnieMo ::MickeyMo

Morveryn - We had a phonecall from Thomson about our tickets a few days ago, and I picked them up on Thursday morning. It's so exciting! I love the tiny little guidebook they give you. Now I need to make sure I don't lose these things! We have our little vouchers for Buffalo Bill, the Fantasyland breakfast, Disney Express, etc. I'm off to buy a new suitcase today! :goodvibes

Not long to go! This time in two weeks, we'll be on the Eurostar!

BCT

05-28-2005, 06:38 AM

Thanks,
Not long for you either :goodvibes :Pinkbounc
Berwyn

widget

05-29-2005, 02:48 AM

Bonnie, its so nice that you can express your excitement on the boards - I loved checking in here this morning and feeling your vibes through this post. I can almost feel you jumping up and down!! We are off this Thursday and as the boys think we are in a B & B nearby (is there even such a thing!!) I cant wait to see their faces. Ive told them we have to collect our park tickets at the Disneyland Hotel (which is where we are staying), so they will be none the wiser. And because they will no doubt be confirming where we are staying on the Eurostar train (the cms on the train check your name and where you are staying so they can issue you baggage tickets for the Disney Express), ive covered myself by telling the boys we have to say Disneyland Hotel and not the name of this ficticious B & B as this is where our park tickets are - complicated this fibbing stuff!! Im so glad it does not come easily to me - couldnt cope with lying for long!!
Good grief - just checked weather on yahoo - few days ago it forecast wet every day, then it was dry for Sat/Sun, yesterday it went back to the wet scenario and this morning we are heading for thunderstorm on the Saturday with downpours on the Sunday - could it get any better!!!! Now is this my punishment for telling my little white lie!! ;)

Bonnie

05-29-2005, 03:36 AM

I think that's a brilliant plan, Widget! I don't think I'd be able to keep the secret myself, but well done for thinking up some good (and probably convincing!) little white lies to tell them! I hope everything goes to plan and they don't figure it out beforehand! I can't wait to find out their reactions. You must post about it when you return. :earsboy:

I also hope the weather gets better for you! How annoying!

Cyrano

05-29-2005, 05:15 AM

The surprise is brillant. Wait till they realise that they will be waking up at the park each morning :banana:

Reid

Miffy2003

05-29-2005, 08:29 AM

Widget, have a fabarooney trip!

I hope you realise your public expects a Trip Report, too ;)

widget

05-30-2005, 03:19 AM

:blush: I will do my best !!

Ware Bears

05-30-2005, 03:44 AM

Widget, have a fabarooney trip!

I hope you realise your public expects a Trip Report, too ;)

Yes we do!!!:teeth:

What a fantastic surprise for your sons.:goodvibes

NIK

05-31-2005, 07:38 AM

Doncha just enjoy the vibes from someone Disneybound? :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

Have a great time!

BCT

06-04-2005, 03:09 AM

I went to look at the SL pool for you Bonnie , there were people of all shapes and sizes in there and all having too good atime to take any notice of anyone else.
It's very warm in there and looks smaller (especially the bit that goes outside) than on Thomas Cook TV promo videos.
I'm not good on pools as we had no local pool when Iwas young and were forced to take school swimming lessons in the Irish Sea UUGH!!! and we all know what goes in there . So I swim like a lead brick and like my water 1 ffot deep and boiling hot in the bath.

Not long to go now for you :Pinkbounc :sunny:

Berwyn

BCT

06-04-2005, 03:54 AM

Talking sizes , while it was not like Florida dw said plenty of people in the parks made her feel like Barbie (or Twiggy for those of us older readers).
it made her feel better about heself.

berwyn

Bonnie

06-04-2005, 06:01 AM

That's great news, Berwyn! I seem to have put on a few pounds over the past couple of weeks (don't know how that happened... :blush: ) and am feeling more self-conscious than usual. I was hoping to lose a few more pounds before our trip, not put them on!

But it's good to hear that not everyone looks like a supermodel :flower:

BCT

06-04-2005, 06:22 AM

far from it, apart from most of the female CM's it seems.

Everyone else (male and female) looks what we would call normal.
Both of us Just been on the scales same weight as before we went, you must walk it all off

Back to the diet for both of us now we are back

Berwyn

Bonnie

06-04-2005, 07:05 AM

Hehe! Yes, I had forgotten about the walking. I'm sure we won't be eating as healthily as we'd like when we're away, but at least there is a lot of walking (and opportunities for walks around the lake, etc.) as well as some healthy eating options.

I do actually have another question about the pool, Berwyn. Was the outside bit open or does it just open in the height of summer? Also, do you just swim through from the inside to the outside, or do you have to get out to go to the outside bit? I've never been in an outdoors pool before and I'd quite like to, but I'm not sure how I'd feel about wandering about on the poolside in broad daylight!