Will I be laughed at for joining USMS?

Hi, I have been swimming for a short time now, and have fallen in love with lap swimming. I am 37 years old female who is very overweight and out of shape. My weight was over 300 and I had many health problems. I made many life changes and now have lost 62 lbs. I discovered that I like to work out, but my stamina is really low right now. When I started swimming I just wanted to make it accross the pool. Now that I can do that, I want to increase my endurance, stamina, and learn how to swim with good technique. I competed on a speech team in college, so I understand the advantage of working with a coach as well as maintaining a workout routine. Fear has kept me from joining -- will I be laughed at when I show up at the pool? Do I need to wait until I have lost more weight to join? Am I too much of a "beginner" to join? I would rather have people tell me honestly if my weight is a problem, than be embarrassed at the pool. Any input would be appriciated. Thanks, Kelly (sorry about spelling)