I'm So #%&!@$%^* Mad
So a week ago last Sunday I dropped off my information sheet at the YMCA to join their "Commit to Be Fit" program, whi*****ludes a fitness assesment, 5 sessions with a personal trainer, etc. I chose to do this as I haven't worked with any machines (other than in physical therapy) since high school and thought I might as well learn how to do it right. On the information sheet I noted that I had a total knee replacement and had been released to do this from both my ortho doc and physical therapist.
I talked to "Jennifer" a week ago and we set up an appointment for me to come in on Saturday. I had to cancel Saturday's appointment due to an unexpected karate event. Rescheduled for tonight - the appointment was with Jennifer.
I show up tonight and it is a disaster. First Jennifer is on the phone and is like "yeah, what?" I tell her who I am and I have an appointment. She looks at the computer and says, "oh yeah" goes back to the phone, "I'll have to call you back...yeah, someone showed up." Then she goes to find my paperwork - can't find it. She asks who I left it with, I said the front desk. Then she tells me how the front desk people are idiots - they don't know what to do. So I start to fill out the paperwork again. I'm explaining that I've had a knee replacement and she asks if "they" asked for a release from my doctor. I said no one has talked to me about the surgery at all - but my doctor and physical therapist know about this.
Next thing I know Jennifer is telling me about how she has to cover her butt and the YMCA's butt - "I'm not saying that you'd be the one to do it - but you know, if something went wrong, you could say it was our fault." Then she picks up the phone and calls her boss and he tells me that they need a release. I told him I understand about the release HOWEVER why am I hearing about this NOW? I explained that it was on the original paperwork and didn't ANYONE look at that? (how about you, Miss Jennifer?!?!? HMMMM?) I get off the phone with the boss guy and Jennifer launches into how the communication around there is really bad and she doesn't know where the paperwork is, etc. I told her my 1st appointment was for Saturday = she checked that box and sure enough, there's my paperwork - all with the knee surgery information.
In the meantime, I'm getting these sympathetic smiles from those working out like "oh poor fat girl, they're sending you home..." ARGH! Ok I admit that I don't know that's what they were thinking but it felt that way. And what they were or were not thinking is none of my business anyway!
So Jennifer has me fill out the paperwork for the doctor to sign and I explain that I will be calling his office tomorrow to make sure they are aware of the situation. Jennifer asks me how my knee is doing. I said it's doing great. She points to a wooden box that is around 18" high and she asks if I could step on to it and then jump off. I said no - she said, "I didn't think so...it's one of our fitness tests." I said, "Nope, I wouldn't be able to do that...but so what?" She looked at me like I was crazy. Sooooo....I know I won't be working with Jennifer EVER! I feel that she saw me, saw Fat Girl, and made all sorts of judgments.
When I got back to my car my first thought was "What can I eat and how much can I eat?" followed by "I'm never going back" I'm home now, still having lots of food thoughts, but drinking my water and I need to take my evening vitamins.
What gets me is that I know I could have walked in, gotten on a bike or treadmill and no one would have said a word to me. But no, because I asked for help, this has all happened. Second, as you all know and have experienced yourself, this journey is difficult and is not for faint of heart. It took a lot of courage to put myself out there in a gym setting again - I always feel like I'm in a meat market and at best I'm the crusty, moldy chopped meat = it sent me right back to feeling stupid, fat, ugly. It's all the feelings of I'll never be good enough - no matter how hard I try, no matter how far I've come - it's not enough. I.HATE.THIS. Good news is that feelings change and I'll get over this.
So that's been my night. Going to do the things that take care of myself, call the ortho in the morning, get the paperwork signed and move on. Thanks for listening.
Jana
I talked to "Jennifer" a week ago and we set up an appointment for me to come in on Saturday. I had to cancel Saturday's appointment due to an unexpected karate event. Rescheduled for tonight - the appointment was with Jennifer.
I show up tonight and it is a disaster. First Jennifer is on the phone and is like "yeah, what?" I tell her who I am and I have an appointment. She looks at the computer and says, "oh yeah" goes back to the phone, "I'll have to call you back...yeah, someone showed up." Then she goes to find my paperwork - can't find it. She asks who I left it with, I said the front desk. Then she tells me how the front desk people are idiots - they don't know what to do. So I start to fill out the paperwork again. I'm explaining that I've had a knee replacement and she asks if "they" asked for a release from my doctor. I said no one has talked to me about the surgery at all - but my doctor and physical therapist know about this.
Next thing I know Jennifer is telling me about how she has to cover her butt and the YMCA's butt - "I'm not saying that you'd be the one to do it - but you know, if something went wrong, you could say it was our fault." Then she picks up the phone and calls her boss and he tells me that they need a release. I told him I understand about the release HOWEVER why am I hearing about this NOW? I explained that it was on the original paperwork and didn't ANYONE look at that? (how about you, Miss Jennifer?!?!? HMMMM?) I get off the phone with the boss guy and Jennifer launches into how the communication around there is really bad and she doesn't know where the paperwork is, etc. I told her my 1st appointment was for Saturday = she checked that box and sure enough, there's my paperwork - all with the knee surgery information.
In the meantime, I'm getting these sympathetic smiles from those working out like "oh poor fat girl, they're sending you home..." ARGH! Ok I admit that I don't know that's what they were thinking but it felt that way. And what they were or were not thinking is none of my business anyway!
So Jennifer has me fill out the paperwork for the doctor to sign and I explain that I will be calling his office tomorrow to make sure they are aware of the situation. Jennifer asks me how my knee is doing. I said it's doing great. She points to a wooden box that is around 18" high and she asks if I could step on to it and then jump off. I said no - she said, "I didn't think so...it's one of our fitness tests." I said, "Nope, I wouldn't be able to do that...but so what?" She looked at me like I was crazy. Sooooo....I know I won't be working with Jennifer EVER! I feel that she saw me, saw Fat Girl, and made all sorts of judgments.
When I got back to my car my first thought was "What can I eat and how much can I eat?" followed by "I'm never going back" I'm home now, still having lots of food thoughts, but drinking my water and I need to take my evening vitamins.
What gets me is that I know I could have walked in, gotten on a bike or treadmill and no one would have said a word to me. But no, because I asked for help, this has all happened. Second, as you all know and have experienced yourself, this journey is difficult and is not for faint of heart. It took a lot of courage to put myself out there in a gym setting again - I always feel like I'm in a meat market and at best I'm the crusty, moldy chopped meat = it sent me right back to feeling stupid, fat, ugly. It's all the feelings of I'll never be good enough - no matter how hard I try, no matter how far I've come - it's not enough. I.HATE.THIS. Good news is that feelings change and I'll get over this.
So that's been my night. Going to do the things that take care of myself, call the ortho in the morning, get the paperwork signed and move on. Thanks for listening.
Jana
You have come too far to let this deter you. Vent, gripe, cuss and moan tonight - get it out of your system and then go back to that gym and commit yourself to doing right by yourself! You can do this - you have overcome worse with grace. Show them that Jana looks adversity in the face and fights the good fight when right is right!
It's hard to take what feels like a "hit" when you are being vulnerable.
My favorite quote is from Eleanor Roosevelt
No one can make you feel inferior
without your consent.
The disaster was Jennifer. This girl was totally inconsiderate and unprofessional. Your perception was the smiles of sympathy were about your remaining skin & fat - I think they are sympathy from having to deal with that clueless twit. I bet she does not have many friends there.
Rant away. Remember than you don't have to measure yourself by Jennifer's yardstick - it's a pretty d--n twisted one anyway.
You are so much better than she is. Don't let her put you down. Find another trainer and report her to her boss. Be Kathy Bates with Good Insurance. Cream her 'lil spandex butt.
- ready to go beat her up for you
My favorite quote is from Eleanor Roosevelt
No one can make you feel inferior
without your consent.
The disaster was Jennifer. This girl was totally inconsiderate and unprofessional. Your perception was the smiles of sympathy were about your remaining skin & fat - I think they are sympathy from having to deal with that clueless twit. I bet she does not have many friends there.
Rant away. Remember than you don't have to measure yourself by Jennifer's yardstick - it's a pretty d--n twisted one anyway.
You are so much better than she is. Don't let her put you down. Find another trainer and report her to her boss. Be Kathy Bates with Good Insurance. Cream her 'lil spandex butt.
- ready to go beat her up for you
Jana, I am so sorry you were treated like that. You are right about it taking courage to go to the gym. I have always felt intimidated by all the "Barbie's in spandex", but you actually made the appointment and went in. I can't say that I'm even ready for that being almost 5 lbs from goal.
I can also totally understand your resorting mentally to the old thoughts and stinkin thinkin that the OLD Jana would have gone to. The new Jana won't give in to those thoughts because she has come too far to let some idiot behind a desk control her thoughts. Bravo to you for taking the big step to make fitness a part of your journey. Don't let ANYONE or ANYTHING get in your path! Big HUGS! Jeanine
I can also totally understand your resorting mentally to the old thoughts and stinkin thinkin that the OLD Jana would have gone to. The new Jana won't give in to those thoughts because she has come too far to let some idiot behind a desk control her thoughts. Bravo to you for taking the big step to make fitness a part of your journey. Don't let ANYONE or ANYTHING get in your path! Big HUGS! Jeanine
Thanks for the support, you wonderful ladies! This morning is much better.
I've called the ortho doc and left a message for his assistant to look for the fax and also to schedule my next knee surgery January 28!
I'm considering calling a former client who is a personal trainer at a different YMCA here in town. He is well aware of my journey and I know he'd be thrilled to help me - but I'd have to go to his YMCA and probably have my YMCA fax him the information sheet and doctor release.
In the meantime, I'll continue to swim and do water aerobics. If I remember correctly some people from the Saturday morning class goes upstairs and workout on the machines after class and I may tag along with them. Dh is going to unearth the stationery bike - he's steaming mad about the whole situation.
When I was talking about this to dh, Emily (age 6) was in and out of the room. She finally said, "Was it Miss Jennifer from daycamp, Mom?" She was right - Jennifer was one of the counselors from the YMCA daycamp Emily went to this past summer. I told her yes and Emily said, "Oh be careful, Mama...just do whatever Miss Jennifer says and you won't get in trouble. She's only sometimes nice!" Out of the mouths of babes....
I've called the ortho doc and left a message for his assistant to look for the fax and also to schedule my next knee surgery January 28!
I'm considering calling a former client who is a personal trainer at a different YMCA here in town. He is well aware of my journey and I know he'd be thrilled to help me - but I'd have to go to his YMCA and probably have my YMCA fax him the information sheet and doctor release.
In the meantime, I'll continue to swim and do water aerobics. If I remember correctly some people from the Saturday morning class goes upstairs and workout on the machines after class and I may tag along with them. Dh is going to unearth the stationery bike - he's steaming mad about the whole situation.
When I was talking about this to dh, Emily (age 6) was in and out of the room. She finally said, "Was it Miss Jennifer from daycamp, Mom?" She was right - Jennifer was one of the counselors from the YMCA daycamp Emily went to this past summer. I told her yes and Emily said, "Oh be careful, Mama...just do whatever Miss Jennifer says and you won't get in trouble. She's only sometimes nice!" Out of the mouths of babes....
Jana,
I hate that this happened to you. Sounds like not a lot of communication is going on at all! I would definitely contact the branch manager and schedule an appointment with them to talk about what happened to you. They need to know how people are being made to feel, as well as the lack of follow-up, follow-through with both the front desk staff and the physical assessment people.
I'm glad to hear that you recognized exactly that your thoughts were moving in the wrong direction and headed that off. That is a great accomplishment in and of itself. I know before, I probably would have gone off and had my regular binge and not thought twice about it!
I belong to the Y here and they have always been very accommodating, motivating and supportive of me and my weight loss. There is a great attitude of support in our local branches here and the spandex barbie dolls don't really fit in at our Y. They deserve to know how you were treated and need to have the opportunity to correct the situation.
Way to go on making the appointment though. Just keep your eye on the prize and focus forward!
I hate that this happened to you. Sounds like not a lot of communication is going on at all! I would definitely contact the branch manager and schedule an appointment with them to talk about what happened to you. They need to know how people are being made to feel, as well as the lack of follow-up, follow-through with both the front desk staff and the physical assessment people.
I'm glad to hear that you recognized exactly that your thoughts were moving in the wrong direction and headed that off. That is a great accomplishment in and of itself. I know before, I probably would have gone off and had my regular binge and not thought twice about it!
I belong to the Y here and they have always been very accommodating, motivating and supportive of me and my weight loss. There is a great attitude of support in our local branches here and the spandex barbie dolls don't really fit in at our Y. They deserve to know how you were treated and need to have the opportunity to correct the situation.
Way to go on making the appointment though. Just keep your eye on the prize and focus forward!
kathsum
I would be sure to call and talk to Jennifer's supervisor. No one deserves to be treated like you were!!! Especiallly a paying customer!!! Tell them there are lots of gyms to choose from, and your sure someone else would like your business!!
Don't let any intimidate you from exercising!!!! I am a fat girl... I go to the gym, and now I am beginning to get to be a smaller girl!!!
Work your tool to the max!!!
Caroline
P.S. good job staying away from the food when you so wanted it!!1
Don't let any intimidate you from exercising!!!! I am a fat girl... I go to the gym, and now I am beginning to get to be a smaller girl!!!
Work your tool to the max!!!
Caroline
P.S. good job staying away from the food when you so wanted it!!1
MY JOURNEY BEGINS...
I am not sure whice YMCA you are going to here in town but I have allways had a very plesent time at the one off of Academy Jusy north of Union on one of the side streets. I know how to get there just not the address. If "Nancy" is still there she is AWSOME. I think she still does the water arobics classes for the injured and elderley. She IS a licensed PT at her normal job (Which is where I orgnaly met her) Even if she is not there I never had a problem there or those "looks" from the employees. I allways had encouragement there. As well as my current PT office has programs for "maintnence" water theripay. Cost $45 a month for unlimited access to the pools and the PT's are allways arround to answer questions and suggestions. I love going there to work out since surgery. Call me if you need directions, you have my number...
Kathleen
Hi Jana
I can so relate to how you are feeling. There is no one in this world that has the right to mistreat anyone else. Whether you are fat, skinny, purple or green.
You were faced with what we all fear and you PASSED the test. You help your head up high and walked out with pride and determination and did not allow her negative comments to sway you either way...
Keep up the good work
Denise
I can so relate to how you are feeling. There is no one in this world that has the right to mistreat anyone else. Whether you are fat, skinny, purple or green.
You were faced with what we all fear and you PASSED the test. You help your head up high and walked out with pride and determination and did not allow her negative comments to sway you either way...
Keep up the good work
Denise
Most Active
Recent Topics
