Fatty Liver Disease

Overview

Fatty liver disease, often called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a condition that occurs when there is excess fat in the liver’s cells. The term NAFLD is used to describe liver conditions that are present in people who do not abuse alcohol. This condition affects about one-fourth of people living in the United States, and it is the most prevalent type of chronic liver disease.

In some cases, NAFLD will progress to a condition called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a severe form of fatty liver disease that eventually progresses to cirrhosis and liver failure, resulting in damage similar to what is seen with alcohol abuse.

Applicable Procedures

Liver Biopsy

What causes fatty liver disease?

Experts are still uncertain about the exact causes of fatty liver disease, but there are some risk factors that can increase a person’s chances of developing this condition. Risk factors include being overweight or obese, having high levels of triglycerides in the blood, insulin resistance, and elevated blood sugar levels. High cholesterol, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, underactive thyroid, and problems with the pituitary gland can also increase the risk.

What are the consequences of fatty liver disease?

Over time, fatty liver disease can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, which causes severe scarring and is linked to a range of complications, including fluid buildup, liver cancer, and liver failure.

How is fatty liver disease treated?

In most cases, the preferred treatment for fatty liver disease is a combination of healthy diet and exercise, in order to promote weight loss. A weight loss of 10% of body weight is ideal, and some people may benefit from weight loss surgery. If you have diabetes, it is important to control your blood sugar levels to protect your liver. Lowering your cholesterol and avoiding alcohol also protect the liver from further damage. Those who develop cirrhosis of the liver may require a liver transplant.

Common Symptoms

“I didn’t have any symptoms of fatty liver disease, but when I had routine blood work done, my liver enzyme levels were abnormal.”
“I started to feel really tired all the time, and I had pain in the upper right portion of my stomach.”
“I noticed yellowing of my skin and swelling in my stomach.”

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What They Are Saying

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Excellent

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6233 reviews

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Rick T.

I had an EGD done and was very pleased with the process and care.

David C.

Everything was top notch from the prep, procedure, and recovery.

Candy C.

Staff made me comfortable. All went smooth and timely.

Shirley K.

Everyone is so caring and pleasant

Mike W.

Excellent with great people

Lulu

I met Dr. Weber in 1998, when he first treated a stomach problem I developed in college. The care I received back then made me feel very comfortable to return to their practice. The entire staff at the Center for Digestive Health is awesome. The best thing about having your procedure there is that you avoid all the hospital traffic and long wait. I was in and out in a short time. I do recommend this place to anyone who values great service and time. It’ll be worth your while.

Michelle T.

Great staff to work with. Thank you for taking such good care of me.

Bob K.

Overall start to finish great experience with great people

Vincent A.

Like at Arby's I would ring for very good and professional and organized office . Thank you all

Joe

Very professional. Very pleasant and comfortable experience. To notch!

David R.

Fast, efficient, friendly. Doctor explains the diagnosis with words and pictures.

Loraine B.

I had a positive experience with the team. They were all caring and worked well explaining everything. My discharge instructions were clear and the following day one of the nurses called to check on me. I would recommend Dr DeNot and team for anyone who needs their specialty.

Martin G.

Dr Donat was helpful and kind. I would recommend him to anyone!

Brandon S.

Dr. Willie and his staff were very kind and efficient. I had the procedure and was on my way home in under 75 minutes. The prep was as expected, and the instructions were very clear.

Ozetta B.

Very nice building friendly staff everything was explained to and everyone introduced themselves the doctor spoke with me in recovery.

Alopez 0.

All of the staff I was in contact with were amazing. My anesthesiologist Mary was the best. She made me feel at ease and kept me smiling. I will continue to have my procedure at the CDH in Troy. I can't say enough good things ❤ A day after my procedure I had an unexpected call from a nurse following up on me to see how I was doing. Thank you to all of the staff for making me feel comfortable during my visit.

Maria W.

I was pleasantly surprised with how efficiently everything went. I Have had only one previous colonoscopy to compare with, and that was ten years ago, and in a hospital setting. Everyone was very kind, always asking if I had any questions and very knowledgeable about their duties. I would recommend this facility highly.

Donna P.

The two nurses I had were great. Very friendly

Janet G.

Had a procedure with Troy Gastro. Nurse, anesthesiologist and doctor were very kind and professional. Made me feel very at ease, well taken care of. Explained the procedure, their role and what to expect to lesson my anxiety.

rami T.

From check in to the walk to my car Dr Bologna and his team were efficient, compassionate and professional. My colonoscopy was quick and Dr. Bologna talked to me before and after.I highly recommend DHS Macomb and Dr Bologna.

Tiffany U.

From beginning to end. Very prompt, precise, polite and professional. Perfect. I felt very comfortable. Thank You 😊

Carol J.

Efficient Quick Had all the answers

Jeanette Y.

Excellent caring staff, timely appointments. I felt they knew my history well and made good care options.

Tanja S.

Great Service! I can highly recommend this office for colonoscopy! All the staff and my doctor were very friendly. I didn’t have to wait at all and was in and out within 1,5 hours. Anesthesia was great as well - I was not drowsy and could go on with my day without and problems!

Ann C.

Have never had a bad experience! Always taken care of. Dr Bakken and staff are the best!

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6238 reviews

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Shannon H.

I have had several procedures at the Macomb facility. They are always on time, efficient, kind and caring!! From the intake staff to the person who walks you out the door, every single one of them treat you with great care!!

Rich I.

The staff was very professional, and the entire procedure was efficient and easy.

Sue D.

One of the things I love most about Dr. Donat, is his kind and caring manner, he listens, asks questions and is mindful of the patients concerns. That's why I have been a patient with this office and this Dr. for over 15 years. The staff is kind and caring and does their best to work with patients.

Linda

Friendly and efficient staff. Nice facility. Didn’t have to wait too long.

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?

If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.

What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised.

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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