I met one of the most loveliest ladies ever swimming. She was 25 stone and even though I could see she was very self concious, she wanted to lose weight. She used to wear costumes with skirts and that was over a year ago, she has now lost 11 stone (she joined SW after about 4 months swimming). I was in awe of her for being brave and for actually doing something about her weight - as we all are. So if you think people may snigger, the genuine people will think your a star.
If she hadn't been big, I may not have got to know her, but week in week out she was there swimming, with a smile on her face. We started to chat about weight/health and it went from there. She looks amazing, no surgery, just hard work and determination !
I am going back to swimming next week for my usual 3 sessions per week, I stopped due to a nasty ear infection and can't wait to get back, I still have my bigger costume (as I have lost and put on again 4 stone) and I will be going, whether people laugh or not, as I will have the last laugh when I get in that pool back to goal again !