In A Wetsuit!!!

[DebDeb]

Hi All,
I've not been on here for quite some time (I guess I just wanted to focus on things other than my sleeve so had a little break) but just thought I'd share something with you.

I have swam (on and off) since childhood but once my weight went passed a certain point, I stopped. I couldn't face putting on a swimming costume and showing my body in public - not even if it allowed me to exercise safely. I had at least 3 years (possibly more!) off swimming and pre-sleeve probably gave up on the idea that I ever would again.

I was sleeved nearly 2 years ago now (I can't believe it! Time certainly flies when you're having fun! &#128521 and recently a friend suggested that we did the Great Manchester Swim for our local children's hospital (it involves swimming a mile in open water in a wetsuit with about 3000 other people!) Pre-sleeve, there is absolutely NO WAY that I could have even contemplated doing it!! Firstly, there would t have been a wetsuit big enough for me (and the idea of trying to squeeze myself into one would have put me off for a start!) Secondly, my level of fitness (or the lack of it) would have meant that I couldn't have swum the distance and thirdly, I just didn't have the self-confidence to do it!

Forward 2 years (next month &#128515 post sleeve and I found myself agreeing to do it! 😱 I started training a month ago in the pool (at first I felt very rusty but muscle memory is an amazing thing - my body remembered what to do really very quickly.) I quickly realised that I needed to try the 'open water in a wetsuit experience' before the big day (July 2nd) so went to our local open water place where you can hire a wet suit and hop in for a swim. I think I was more nervous about getting into a wetsuit and them having one to fit me than I was about the swimming bit but (with the help of a couple of very nice ladies) I managed to get into one and swim!!

This morning was my 3rd open water swim practice and my first with the girl I'll be doing the event with (she's at least 10yrs younger than me and a foot taller but I managed to keep up with her - just about &#128521 We managed half a mile of breaststroke (not quite up to front crawl yet &#128521 in 25mins so we're hoping to finish the mile in under an hour (we may not be fast but we're determined!&#128521

I have absolutely NO DOUBT that it is thanks to my sleeve that I'm able to do this!! I am so very, very thankful to have been able to have the procedure and to have been given my life back and I CAN FIT IN A WETSUIT!!!!! 😃😃😃😃😃

To anyone contemplating having a sleeve or to anyone about to have one, I can honestly say that having my sleeve is the best thing that I have ever done! It's not a decision to be taken lightly but.................... I CAN FIT IN A WETSUIT!!!!! 😃😃😃😃😃😃

Sadly, I can't work out how to post a photo of me in said wetsuit on here but if you'd like a peek, go to www.justgiving.com/Debbie-Katie
(I'm the short one! &#128521

[KariVSG]

Im so happy your getting back into something you enjoy to do. Swimming is a very good resistance exercise. Keep up the good work girl.
Luv Kari

[WANAGL]

Congratulations!

I'll be cheering for you! Keep us posted.

[blackjac24]

Congrats!! Thank you so much for sharing. In 2 days my adventure starts and I am beyond ready. Thank you again.

[DebDeb]

The very best of luck with your surgery! I'm excited for you! (you'll be in a wetsuit before you know it!) ��

[Shirl]

✨ Reading this just made my day! ✨

I was a swimmer myself, the last time I did any lap swimming was in the mid 2000's - I had thought about joining a a gym with a lap pool but with the restrictions of not taking baths I'd thought I'd wait.

I'm so profoundly touched and motivated by your story. I wish you all the best, and I look forward to more of your updates.

✨✨ Hugs! ✨✨

[Ann2]

Oh, Debbie! How cool of you both.

It's great to hear from you. You look fabulous, dahling!

[DebDeb]

Great to see you Ann!! Hope all is well with you. A wetsuit isn't exactly the most flattering look when you're 'vertically challenged' and still a bit 'curvy' - but I just feel so thrilled to have got into one that I don't care! ������ xxx

[DebDeb]

Thanks so much Shirl - hope you get back to swimming soon �� Xxx

[freeme]

Congratulations! That must be such an amazing feeling. I am only 11 days in and always wanted to learn how to swim, but would never go looking like this. so maybe in a few months if I can find an indoor pool I can do it. Thanks for the inspiration!

[DebDeb]

Thank you Freeme and congratulations on your surgery! You're on the way to swimming and all sorts of other wonderful things! Xx