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.”

Find a Location in Your Area

Find a Location

Request an Appointment

[ninja_form id=5]

What They Are Saying



Top rated

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6268 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

Daniel T.

PA Jennifer was polite, professional and knowledgeable.

M Ruth C.

I had a great experience at my last visit. Dr. Bakken and staff were very kind, friendly and they treat you like a family. They explained how the procedure will go, and how long it will take and what to expect. Discharge nurse were very clear with Discharge instructions and follow ups.

George B.

Very nice people, on the ball in every aspect

paul C.

Very pleased with the entire experience when smooth is silk before the colonoscopy and after they were very pleasant to talk to answered all my questions very helpful. Everyone was very upbeat, which made it fun, it’s not something you enjoy doing it but when you have good people, it makes it that much better thanks

Jean J.

I just had my colonoscopy done at the center and it was a good experience. From the minute, you walk in, it goes like clockwork. You are in and out the door in about one and a half hours.The entire staff is courteous and professional, it’s nice to see them actually enjoying working together Dr Qualich took his time with me answering all my questions and explaining the results.

Stan L.

The staff is very efficient and caring! Thank you so much!!!!

Paula S.

very reassuring, great people, very friendly people made me feel calm, and that I was in capable hands!!! Made me feel like everything was going to be okay. Thank you everyone for a comforting visit!

Jan S.

Everyone was very nice and always explained what was being done.

John K.

Everyone at the Center was courteous and helpful. I would recommend the Center without reserve.

Teresa S.

I like and trust Dr.Donot, he has been my doctor for many years now, and I have referred many people to him! All the nurses were very attentive and friendly!

Tim L.

All the staff were very pleasant. They got me in on time. Didn't have to wait long to see Dr Donat. everything went really smooth and the visit was a good one.

David E.

Very efficient and excellent nursing care. Kevin the CRNA was outstanding. Dr. Qualich is a great doctor. Highly recommended

tina K.

Very professional place I had procedure at macomb office excellent service from start to finish

Brian C.

the staff was superb! Everyone was knowledgeable, friendly and talkative. They really made me feel more relaxed. Great job team!

Karl S.

The experience was great. Checked-in a my set time. After a few minutes wait was taken to the prep room. The prep team was very comforting and informative. After a few minutes, I was taken to the procedure room, meet Dr Tocco and was quickly put to sleep. After a quick procedure, I was waking up in the recovery room. I felt great with no after effects from the anesthesia or procedure. In and out in an hour. Returned home to relax without any after effects. They called me after a few hours to check on my recovery.

roxanne H.

Staff was very professional and kind!

Bruce L.

Made me feel comfortable with the whole procedure very professional

Margaret R.

The virtual visit worked perfectly and the staff follow up on my script for a test was prompt. Dr. Wille is the best, excellent Dr and bonus, listens to his patients.

Lynn W.

Very friendly and supportive staff. Made the procedure/experience much better than anticipated. Quick and easy.

Marilyn A.

Everyone was very caring and attentive to my needs!

Jill A.

Dr. Willie is the best! Surgical procedure was a breeze-in and put in an hour. Very efficient staff!

Kathleen J.

My experience at the surgical center was great! Roger, Vicky, Kathy were friendly, knowledge and made sure I was comfortable pre/post procedures. Dr. Quallich explained the process of the procedures and why he was doing them and talked with me post procedure. If you need to have an egd or colonoscopy I highly recommend Center for Digestive Health!

John M.

Every thing was done professionally.Excellant staff.

Amber W.

I've been a patient for 15 plus years and I don't have one bad thing to say. Office staff and my doc ALL great!

thomas B.

This a well oiled machine. They processes you quickly and get you in and out in a timely manner.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6273 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

Linda S.

Everyone was great and very helpful . Dr Saeed excellent in explaining what we're doing and why

Kitty B.

Very positive visit experience! Friendly, professional medical staff, and Dr. Weber is everything I could want as my GI Dr. He is warm, professional, very thorough, and readily allows time for my questions and related discussion. He is highly regarded in his field and exudes competency. I trust I am in good hands with this GI doctor !

W374 O.

Read all reviews prior to my appointment for a colonoscopy! I agree with all the 5 star ratings! Dr. Bologna who did my procedure was great! Sense of humor which was appreciated. He came in my room afterwards sat down and talked to me. Everything was great. The staff- Amazing, friendly, and caring. The nurse anesthesiologist didn’t mess around! She knew her stuff and told me what she was doing as she did it! Great team work💜 The worst part was fasting, and drinking Miralax with Gatorade, and that wasn’t that bad! For those who are reluctant to get one, don’t be! I am 55 and this was my first. I was the same way, so glad I didn’t cancel my appointment like I did the 3 times prior!

Patricia C.

Very pleased with staffing and love the dr.

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

Christina N. Brown, 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.

3 reasons to see a gastrointestinal specialist when you turn 45

A gastrointestinal specialist is someone who specializes in the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract involves a pathway that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus. The organs within the gastrointestinal tract are those that function mostly for...

The Benefits of Water for Digestion

Digestion is a process that, when running smoothly, can help keep the rest of your body in good condition too. It’s an important component of your overall health. There are several different ways that the digestive system can be well maintained, and this can be helped...

Do I Need an Endoscopy for Acid Reflux?

An endoscopy is a procedure that is typically used to examine an individual’s digestive tract. It is a non-surgical procedure that involves a tube with a video camera attached to it, called an endoscope, that is used to examine the inside of a cavity in the body. An...

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

[ninja_form id=4]