Suzanne Lafreniere won't back away from living a healthy life

Morning North6:50Wellness Feature - Life changer

In this edition of our Wellness Feature, a woman shares her journey to health... from sleeping 16 hours a day for more than a decade to getting back on track. Suzanne Lafreniere shared her story with the CBC's Jan Lakes.

There was a time when Suzanne Lafreniere had a hard time walking to the end of her driveway.

She suffered from asthma, fibromyalgia and arthritis. She also suffered post traumatic stress disorder and depression.

And she tipped the scale at 300pounds, Lafreniere said.

Childhood trauma was a contributor to her poor health, as well as burning out at work back in 2002, which she says brought on the fibromyalgia.

For more than a decade, Lafreniereslept on average 16 to 20 hours a day.

At onepoint, "I decided enough was enough and I had to get out."

Get dressed and face the day

Lafrenierewent to asthma rehab for awhile, as well as Weight Watchers. Thensomeone suggested aquafit at the Sudbury YMCA.

It wasn't an easy step to take.

"I didn't want anyone to see me in my bathing suit at 300lbs, but everyone looks the same in the water," she said.

"There were quite a few days that Ididn't want to get up and get dressed and face the day."

Now she teaches thoseaquafit classes. And, every Friday, shegoes over to theParksideolder adults centreat the YMCA and dances for three hours straight.

In 2012, she underwent bariatric surgery.

"It was one of the best decisions I've ever made."

Lafrenierenow weighs 146 lbs.

"I love being who I am today. My motto is get up, get dressed and face the day."