Meet Octavia Pickett-Blakely, MD, MHS

Octavia Pickett-Blakeley, MD, MHS, is assistant professor of medicine and director of nutrition and small bowel disorders in the Division of Gastroenterology at Penn.

Dr. Pickett-Blakeley works closely with the Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program at Penn.

“As a gastroenterologist, I see patients with gastrointestinal disorders like reflux,” says Dr. Pickett-Blakely. “As bariatric surgery permanently alters the gastrointestinal tract, it’s important for us to be involved in the management and care of patients considering and undergoing weight-loss surgery.”

Patients may be referred to Dr. Pickett-Blakely before their weight-loss surgery for evaluation, but can see her after surgery if they are experiencing difficulty in changing bowl habits or reflux.

What do you like best about what you do?

I love to help feel people feel better.

What is your favorite healthy food?

Spinach and hummus are my favorite healthy foods

Favorite tips for weight loss and/or keeping off weight?

Move, move, move! Physical activity is very important for weight loss, but also for your heart.

What do you wish people knew about weight-loss surgery?

It requires a life-long commitment to your health.

Best advice for weight-loss?

Don't give up! It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Set realistic goals, and stay on track to meet them.

More about Dr. Pickett-Blakeley

Favorite movie: The Color Purple
Favorite food: Thai
Favorite place to vacation: The Caribbean
Favorite exercise: The elliptical machine
Favorite type of music to work out with: Anything upbeat
Favorite sports team: Go Redskins!
Favorite TV show: Downton Abbey
Last book you read? Little Bee
Favorite drink: Blood Orange San Pellagrino
Do you play sports? Nope!
Do you play an instrument? No.
When I get down time I like to….Read, listen to music or play with my children.

Let Penn Help You Lose Weight For Good

Penn can help you lose weight.

Learn about medical weight loss in Philadelphia, and the Penn Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Program at a free information session about weight-loss surgery in Philadelphia. There, you will hear about your weight-loss surgery options, and how Penn can help you lose weight and get healthy for good.

Register for a free information session today.

"I Feel Like A Completely Different Person"- Tonia Lost 120 Pounds So Far!

Tonia was seeing signs all over.

In November, 2012, her already-poor health was taking a sharp decline. She knew she needed to lose weight, but nothing worked for her in the past.

But this time, it was a matter of life and death.

“In 2012, I had been in the hospital four times for asthma and congestive heart failure-related complications,” says Tonia. “I was at my highest weight – 439 pounds. I could barely walk from the bed to the bathroom. I knew I had to do something drastic.”

But what?

In the weeks that followed, Tonia met three different women who had weight-loss surgery.

“When I met the first woman at a party, it gave me the idea,” says Tonia. “When I met the other two women, it solidified my decision.”

Tonia, a 46-year-old mom of two began to research her options. She went to an information session, and made her appointment with Chief of Bariatric Surgery Dr. Noel Williams.

Before Surgery

Tonia wasn’t a stranger to feeling unwell. She was battling a heart condition that made it difficult for her to move and breathe. Suffering from severe asthma, exercising was nearly impossible for her.

“I was sick a lot of the time and on oxygen,” she remembers. “I could barely walk in my house, and everyone was doing everything for me - I couldn’t even wash dishes without sitting down.”

Tonia suffered from sleep apnea and was on high dosages of medications to help manage her heart condition.

But then, she began her journey toward a healthier life with Penn.

Photo courtesy of Tonia.

“Failure was not an option for me.”

“The dietitians in the program helped me learn how to eat right, and what I needed to do after surgery,” says Tonia. “My husband even changed his own habits and started to support me even before I had surgery.”

Tonia lost 15 pounds before her sleeve gastrectomy on May 6, 2013, and was ready for a life-long commitment to healthier eating and living.

“My attitude always stayed positive,” she says. “I think that’s what helped me be successful throughout the whole process.”

Tonia’s surgery went well, and her new-found healthier eating habits began impacting her entire family.

“My daughter and husband started eating better, and following my example,” she says. “Within weeks, I could walk throughout my home with no effort.”

Tonia also says she took advantage of “everything Penn had to offer” from support groups to physical therapists, to post-op appointments with her team.

“I even joined a gym!” she says. “I use the treadmill and recumbent bikes – something I never could have done before surgery.”

Since her sleeve gastrectomy, Tonia’s lost 105 pounds. She’s off most of her medication, no longer has sleep apnea, and is down from a size 30/32 shirt to an 18/20.

“I have a long way to go, but I am so far from where I used to be,” she says. “I feel like a completely different person.”

Tonia’s Tips

• Tonia has been successful with her weight loss losing a total of 130 pounds with Penn Medicine. Here is what worked for her:
• Research everything. It’s not an easy decision, and it requires a life-long commitment to eating differently than you are used to.
• Think about your decision. If you pray, pray about it. Don’t make rash decisions, or they may backfire.
• Be patient. You didn’t put on the weight overnight, so don’t expect it to be gone overnight. You will have challenges, but if you stay strong and connected to those who support you, you will be successful.

Lose Weight At Penn Medicine

Penn can help you lose weight for good. Learn how weight-loss surgery at Penn can help you lose weight and gain back your health.

Learn about weight-loss surgery at Penn at a free information session. Register here. 

Meet Karen Coyne, CRNP

Karen Coyne, CRNP, is a nurse practitioner and part of the Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program team.

It’s also likely she’s one of the first people on the team to meet new patients when they start their weight-loss journey at Penn.

“That first visit can be two to three hours long,” says Karen. “I tell patients to bring a book! The visit is very thorough, and patients meet a nurse practitioner, dietitian and surgeon one the same day.”

At that visit, Karen learns more about patients embarking on their journey.

“I discuss with them their medical history, habits and any other conditions they may have that may affect their surgery,” she says.

“A lot of the people we meet don't know what they are getting in to, or they have a lot of questions,” says Karen. “We inform patients a lot about the procedure, testing required, and what will be needed of them throughout the process. We try to make solid recommendations and suggestions to help prepare them for weight-loss success.”

What do you like best about what you do?

It’s gratifying to see significant co-morbidities and disabilities improve after losing a significant amount of weight with weight-loss surgery. I enjoy interacting with patients and having the opportunity to educate patients.

What is your favorite healthy food?

I like multi-grain bread toasted with peanut butter for breakfast.

Favorite tips for weight loss and/or keeping off weight?

• Small, frequent sensible snacks throughout the say to keep hunger in check
• Incorporating as much activity as possible into everyday routines

Best advice for weight-loss?

Listen to the team.

More about Karen

Favorite food: Asian
Favorite exercise: Walking
Favorite sports team: I don’t follow sports.
Last book you read? South of Broad by Pat Conroy
When I get down time I like to….chill.

Let Penn Help You Lose Weight For Good

Penn can help you lose weight.

Learn about medical weight loss in Philadelphia, and the Penn Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Program at a free information session about weight-loss surgery in Philadelphia. There, you will hear about your weight-loss surgery options, and how Penn can help you lose weight and get healthy for good.

Register for a free information session today.

Join Us for a Free Weight-Loss Surgery Information Session in February

For many people trying to lose weight, taking the first step can be the most difficult part of the process.

Whether it’s getting out of the door to head to the gym, or deciding to choose a healthier option at mealtime, once you take that first step, it can be easier to gain momentum toward a healthier lifestyle.

Weight-Loss Surgery Information Sessions at Penn Medicine

Choosing to have weight-loss surgery is not an easy decision, but learning all of the facts is easy with Penn’s free weight-loss information sessions.

At a weight-loss information session, you will learn about the various options for weight-loss surgery and meet with the surgeons and clinicians who will help you every step of the way.

Mark your calendars for the following information sessions at Penn Medicine in February

• 2/3 at 6 pm: Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
• 2/5 at 6 pm: Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine
• 2/10 at 6 pm: Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine
• 2/12 at 6 pm: Pennsylvania Hospital
• 2/13 at 7 pm: Penn Medicine Valley Forge
• 2/15 at 10:30 am: Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
• 2/17 at 6 pm: Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine
• 2/19 at 7 pm: Penn Medicine Radnor
• 2/20 at 7 pm: Penn Medicine Bucks County
• 2/24 at 10 am: Pennsylvania Hospital
• 2/25 at 11 am: Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine
• 2/26 at 7 pm: Penn Medicine Cherry Hill

Lose Weight at Penn Medicine

Learn about weight-loss surgery in Philadelphia and the Penn Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Program at a free information session about weight-loss surgery in Philadelphia.

There, you will hear about your weight-loss surgery options, and how Penn can help you lose weight and get healthy for good.

Register for a free information session today.

Super Bowl Eats: Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

By Danielle Rosenfeld, RD, LDN

This Super Bowl Sunday, why not kick it up a notch with a hearty butternut squash soup? It’s a great alternative to chili, loaded with nutrition and has just enough spice to get you warmed up for the big game.

Butternut squash has a sweet, nutty taste similar to that of a pumpkin and tastes awesome roasted and blended into a soup. Butternut squash contains approximately 60 calories per cup and is packed with fiber, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. I like to add cannellini beans to the soup to boost the protein content and add another layer of flavor and texture.

This recipe is great because it is incredibly simple to make and incorporates a beautiful balance of flavors between the cinnamon, cumin and cayenne pepper. To make this soup even more fun, add a whole wheat grilled cheese “crouton”. See recipe below.

Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Ingredients

• 1 lb. butternut squash, cubed
• 1 small yellow onion
• 1 small apple, peeled (I prefer honey crisp or McIntosh)
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 4 cups low sodium chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
• 1/8th tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
• Fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
• 1, 16 oz can white cannellini beans
• Toasted pumpkin seeds and pinch of grated Parmesan (to serve)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Cut the butternut squash, onion, and apple into 1 inch cubes. Place on a sheet pan and toss with olive oil and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Roast for 35-45 minutes, tossing occasionally, until very tender.
3. Meanwhile, heat the chicken stock to a simmer. When the vegetables are done, put them through a food mill or food processor to puree. Add some chicken stock, if needed.
4. Once vegetables are pureed, add to the large pot with chicken stock. Add cayenne pepper, cumin, cinnamon and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Add 1 can of white cannellini beans to simmering pot.
6. Cook for 10 minutes and serve with 1 tsp. toasted pumpkin seeds and a pinch of grated Parmesan cheese.

Whole Wheat Grilled Cheese “Croutons”

Make a grilled cheese sandwich with two slices of “light style” whole wheat bread, one slice of American cheese and 1 tsp. Smart Balance spread to coat the pan. Cook until crisp and cheese is melted, slice into quarters and serve 1 crouton per soup bowl. Enjoy!

Penn Medicine Can Help You Lose Weight

Let Penn Medicine help you lose weight. Learn about weight-loss surgery and if weight-loss surgery at Penn is right for you at a free information session.

Register for a weight-loss surgery information session here.

How I Fit it All In

Chiara Gravell had a sleeve gastrectomy at Penn Medicine with weight-loss surgeon Noel Williams, MD, in 2011. Since then, she’s lost more than 150 pounds, and has gone from being obese to completing triathlons. In this blog, she discusses her strategies for fitting everything in. 

Fitting it all in!

Once people (myself included) figure out that weight-loss surgery is just a tool, then a ton of practical questions come flooding out, most of which revolve around - how can I do this? How can I fit everything in? How can I fit in the protein, exercise, work, taking care of my family, doctor appointments? I can’t do this!

Just before surgery, people ask me, “Chiara, HOW AM I GOING TO FIT IT ALL IN”? I calmly reply, “You aren’t. Or at least not right away. ”

I didn’t for a while, but eventually it works out. I wish someone had told me that. I was so filled with anxiety, trying to get everything in and failing. Eventually I just stopped getting upset about it and simply did the very best I could.

Water: However, if I am honest, I didn’t get all 64 oz. of water into my body on a regular basis for at least four (4) months. I tried every day and did my best every day; however some days, I just couldn’t force down all of the water which was recommended. I did, however, always make sure that I was progressing in the right direction.

Protein: Same thing with protein, it was six (6) months before I consistently day in and day out was able to get in 60g of protein. The protein at first gave me horrid heartburn, so I had to experiment with different types of protein that I could tolerate. The first few months after surgery include a lot of experimentation, on what works and what doesn’t. My taste buds had changed and I had no idea how a little bit of food (I mean ridiculously small amounts) would affect my body.

Work: I was lucky, when I had the surgery, I worked from home. So I was able to return to work quickly. I could do this because if I needed to, at lunch I could lay down for an hour. I didn’t have a commute, so I always came to work fresh of energy. I also had my own kitchen with everything I needed right down the hall. This was a huge advantage. I didn’t have to plan my food and pack it and try to get everything in at work and then have something not be tolerated and need to leave work for a bit. I could do all of that in the privacy of my own home, usually while I returned emails and listened on conference calls. Not everyone will be as lucky as I was, so it’s important to plan appropriate time off from work.

Exercise: Then came exercise, which I struggled with for about nine (9) months. I had the added excuse that my husband’s cancer came back about six weeks after my surgery, so I had to take care of him through another round of chemo, and a rare lung infection during the first 6 months after my surgery.

How to fit it all in? 

Once exercise came back into my life after surgery, I needed to figure out how to work, take care of my family, and work out. For me, I always needed a race to train for. If I had a race then I would have to train, if I had to train I would have to work out. I needed to keep it simple. Plus I have this wonderful disorder called “race sign-up disease.”I love to sign up for races! But, I HATE training for races, it is a vicious cycle I use to trick myself into exercising.

Once I became a race addict, that marked one year after surgery. It took me one year to figure out how to fit it all in. My schedule was planned and very well executed. Work out then work, then cook then church or friends or family commitments. It worked for me. I know how important exercise is and make sure to keep it a priority in my life.

Now, I have a new job. I have a commute and I have to travel and when the holidays come around… AHHHH!!!!

For the first time since I figured out how to get it all in! I have had to relax and be kind to myself. I have to settle for four or five days of working out versus six or seven. I have to plan my meals a week in advance and shop for that food and pack my lunch and snacks and sometimes dinner. I have to work out after work, which means that I don’t get home until about 9 pm. It is different. I am sure I will figure out a plan that works for me soon. Until then I am “trying to fit it all in” as much as humanly possible!

My mantra is, don’t worry if you can’t get it all in right away. Try and try again, until you come up with a routine that works. That is what I do, and when life changes, I change the routine until I get it all in again. Then life changes again. Since life always seems to change, I will have to be kind to myself, and not beat myself up when I fail, because that won’t help. However trying one day at a time, I will eventually get it all in again!

Penn Medicine Can Help You Lose Weight

Penn can help you lose weight. Learn more about weight-loss surgery at Penn, and what weight-loss surgery is right for you at a free information session.

Register for a free weight-loss surgery information session here.

Susan Lost 138 Pounds with Penn Medicine

Susan Tapper was always, as she says, a “chubby person.”

“I spent my entire life dieting or binging,” says Susan, who is now 61. “It affected my relationships, my work, my emotional well-being. And, as I got older, my physical condition.”

At 283 pounds, Susan’s body was in pain. Suffering from severe osteoarthritis, Susan had one hip replaced, and needed the other replaced as well. However, her weight kept her from scheduling the surgery and she was living in pain.

But there was another surgery on her mind – Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

“I’d been researching the surgery for years, and looking for a long time at bariatric programs in the area,” says Susan. “When I met Dr. Korus at Penn’s bariatric program, I knew Penn was the right place for me.”

Susan had gastric bypass in August, 2010, and her weight started coming off.

“Yes, the weight comes off, but it’s not easy,” she says. “I work at it every single hour of the day. When you first have the surgery, you are so motivated and it’s easier to stick with the program. But after a few years, when things start to get back to normal, it can be more challenging.”

To date, Susan has lost 138 pounds. 


To combat cravings and stay on track, Susan puts protein first.

“I keep high protein foods with me at all times,” she says. “Not everyone does this, but it works for me.”

Susan also combats a scenario a lot of people can relate to – night eating.

“One of my biggest issues is night eating. I have to tell myself that the kitchen is closed at 8 pm,” she says. “I also do something to get out of the kitchen area, like read or move around to get through the craving.

While Susan still suffers from osteoarthritis, she walks, swims or does exercises she can do while sitting down.

“This is my life, and that reward is so wonderful,” she says. “I wear a size 10, I can fit in airline seats and move around so much easier. The benefits outweigh all the work that goes into losing weight.”

Practical Advice – And What I Eat

“You can't avoid food,” says Susan. “It’s a matter of making the right choices.”

For Susan, breakfast usually means Kashi protein cereal or egg beaters and sometimes a piece of 7-grain toast with cheese. A snack might be a protein bar, or an apple with PB2.

“Dinner could be turkey, fish, chicken, yogurt, cottage cheese or cheese sticks and crackers,” she says. “I like crunching something sweet like frozen yogurt ‘squeeze’ tubes. Or, I will have a piece of dark chocolate or nuts in the evening. For me it's easier to eat the same things over and over again. I don't like to vary my meals and snacks too much!”

Susan also offers advice for others.

“Get to know yourself. For some people that is hard. This has to be about you. Pay attention to when you are hungry or thirsty. Don't beat yourself up if you feel like you failed. Learn what works and what makes you feel good. Make the effort to handle the challenges that occur and pay attention to what you eat. If you don't recognize your old eating habits, you will gain the weight without question.”

Finally, Susan adds:

"I was glad that I made the decision to have the surgery with Penn. Going to my first support group run by the nutritionist Karen Buzby, I was confident that Penn was the right place. I felt immediately comfortable with the people and the relaxed atmosphere. It has been important to me as part of my success and as part of my ability to keep the weight off, to attend the meetings and talk with people who have had the surgery or who are about to have the surgery. That group gave me the confidence to have the surgery."

Let Us Help You Lose Weight For Good 

Penn Medicine can help you lose weight.

Learn about weight-loss surgery in Philadelphia, and the Penn Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Program at a free information session about weight-loss surgery in Philadelphia.

There, you will hear about your weight-loss surgery options, and how Penn can help you lose weight and get healthy for good. Register for a free information session today.