A Life-Changing Moment
In January 2023, Becky Spicer and her husband, Floyd, were sitting at Tacos for Life in Columbia, MO, enjoying a meal. As they sat across from each other, Floyd suddenly said, “I can’t hear you,” which puzzled Becky. Moments later, he added, “I can’t see you,” and his voice became jumbled before he slumped over the table, lifeless. A nurse in the restaurant quickly assessed him and declared, “He doesn’t have a pulse, call 911.” Although the ambulance arrived and Floyd regained consciousness, it was clear that he had suffered a stroke.
At that moment, Becky, who was ten years younger than her husband, realized that if she didn’t make changes to her health and weight, she might be next. This was the catalyst she needed to prioritize her well-being. For the next six months, she focused on Floyd’s recovery while also contemplating her own health journey.
The Struggle Before Success
Becky had decided to start saving for bariatric surgery, which her insurance wouldn’t cover. The amount was $20,000. However, she needed to lose 50 pounds before she could undergo the procedure. Despite trying every diet and weight loss program out there—Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Keto, and more—nothing seemed to work. She even enlisted a friend as an accountability partner, keeping food journals and exercise logs, but all it did was bring more shame, guilt, and food deprivation. “None of it was healthy,” Becky recalled.
Years of failed attempts, dating back to when she was just eight years old, left Becky feeling hopeless. “I didn’t think I would be able to be successful,” she admitted. However, when her friend Marissa, who worked at Big Tree Medical, started talking about weight loss injections, Becky decided to do some research. Although she was skeptical, she thought, “I’ll just try for a few months with a goal to lose 50 pounds and have bariatric surgery.”
A New Beginning with Big Tree Medical
In June 2023, Becky started on tirzepatide. Although she had heard of “hyper-responders,” she doubted she would be one of them. To her surprise, it was an instant switch in her brain. “It went from constantly thinking about food to not thinking about it at all,” she said. This mental shift allowed Becky to focus on making healthier food choices.
She immediately changed her diet, incorporating 150 grams of protein per day, drinking plenty of water, and increasing her physical activity. “I stopped craving chips, bread, and McDonald’s cheeseburgers literally overnight,” Becky shared. While she still enjoyed being in the kitchen, the “food noise” was completely gone. She even found herself at a Mexican restaurant with friends, easily ignoring the chips and salsa and instead enjoying the conversation.
Overcoming Doubts and Achieving Success
Becky’s transformation was not just physical but also mental. She had always lived with the expectation of failure, but this time, she succeeded. Her accountability buddy even started calling her the “skinny friend,” though Becky was familiar with the internal dialogue of doubt: “What happens when I go off the medication? Would I have to take it for the rest of my life?” Becky confidently responded to her friend’s skepticism by comparing it to treating a medical condition. “If you had a headache, would you take aspirin? If you had cancer, would you undergo long-term treatment?” she explained. “Obesity is a disease, and this medication has totally changed my life.” Becky lost 160 pounds in just one year.
Inspiring Others
As Becky’s transformation became more visible, friends and acquaintances began noticing. “People would approach me cautiously, asking if I was okay because I looked different,” Becky said. She saw these interactions as opportunities to share her gratitude and let them know about her positive experience with Big Tree Medical. “I’m great, thank you for asking,” she would reply with a smile. If someone showed interest in weight loss, she eagerly shared information about her journey and the support she received.
The changes Becky experienced also had a ripple effect on her family. Her 18-year-old son, who had suffered a severe football injury and subsequent double knee reconstruction, was inspired by his mother’s journey. Weighing 340 pounds, he decided to make healthier choices, losing 80 pounds by cutting out soda, eating the nutritious meals Becky prepared, and incorporating more movement into his life. Even her daughter, a collegiate athlete, found similar mental shifts while supporting Becky on her journey.
A New Perspective on Life
“This past year, I’ve prioritized my health for the first time. I’m a new person,” Becky says. “I finally feel in control over my food—it no longer controls me.” For years, Becky lived in shame over her weight, not realizing there was a place where she could receive individualized, non-judgmental care. “There isn’t any shame in how you got there,” she said. “It’s okay to get treatment, and it’s been a total game-changer for me.”
Looking forward, Becky is excited to enjoy life as a mom of four, a loving wife, and a person who can fully engage in life’s pleasures. “I just want to take a trip to Disney, not have to ask for a seatbelt extender, ride the rides, and wear a swimsuit!” she shared with a smile.
Becky Spicer’s story is a testament to the power of determination, the right support, and the willingness to embrace change.
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