The Biggest Loser trainer, Erica Lugo, who worked hard to lose 160 lbs., has recently revealed that she will be undergoing a surgical procedure to get rid of her loose skin.
Posting a pic of her loose belly skin, Lugo wrote on Instagram, “Real, scary and raw transparency post. Nervous AF as I type and share. I’ve worked really hard to lose 160 lbs. I’m proud of the muscle I’ve built and I’m more proud that I’ve been able to keep the weight off for 5 years.”
“Loose skin has been apart of my journey for 5 years,” she added. “I’ve always been okay with it. It’s been my battle scar, but the more I begin to build muscle and get leaner I get the more loose skin builds up. No amount of exercise or nutrition will help the loose skin pockets on my hips and stomach.”
Lugo said she has been researching the surgery for years, noting that it was not an easy decision.
“I’ve been back and forth for years and I’m finally scheduled Sept 22nd with @athenixbody and I couldn’t be more nervous, scared but excited!” she said. “Just like I do with everything I’ll be tracking every second of this journey. Just had a pre op call to prep myself for all the post op care.”
She added, “Two weeks until we leave!”
Lugo used to weigh more than 320 lbs. after the birth of her son but she worked hard and lost 160 lbs. Last year, she was diagnosed with stage 2 thyroid cancer. She had to undergo surgery and radiotherapy.
In May, Lugo paid tribute to her body, celebrating her weight loss journey by wearing a bikini for the first time in years.
She wrote, “I’ve spent too many years never wearing bikinis because I felt I shouldn’t. But ya know what? This body lost 150 lbs. This body created life. This body beat cancer. This body is working through an auto immune disorder. This body is worthy despite society standards and my own negative self-chat and it felt good to slip on a bikini for the first time in years and truly be COMFORTABLE.”
Lugo received harsh criticism for her loose skin but she gave it back to people who criticized her.
At the time, she wrote, “This past week I have read more comments towards myself and other woman about our bodies and our confidence and worth based off how we chose to show our confidence and OUR bodies,” noting that while she did not have “six pack abs” or “the most toned upper body,” her body doesn’t deserve to be criticized.
“Instead I have loose skin from losing 150 lbs. and having a baby,” she continued. “Instead It’s harder for me to lose and tone because I had and beat thyroid cancer and my body doesn’t process hormones like a ‘normal’ hormonal regulation system should. Let people be proud of their bodies in progress. We are all trying to be happier, stronger and better versions of ourselves and how we chose to show or acknowledge that is up to US. Not YOU.”
Previously, Lugo told PEOPLE that she often talks with contestants on The Biggest Loser about loose skin. She said, “So many people always ask, and I tell them, ‘Don’t let that be the thing that stops you.’ If you scroll through my Instagram, I’m like, yeah, here’s my stretch marks and here’s my loose skin. This is who I am and that’s my story, so I just own it.”
