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 6246 reviews

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candace

Everyone was very sweet,nice and understanding. I really can't think of anything I was disappointed in my morning I spent there during my procedure. THANK YOU DOCTOR AND STAFF

Richard M.

Very efficient and great service

keith H.

Very positive experience

Rodney G.

Very efficient, friendly reassuring.

Debra B.

I thought they were all really nice considerate efficient I was in taking care of and out

Kathy S.

Quick check in..no wait time..very efficient staff.

Shirlee

The staff was absolutely excellent and Dr. Nandy is simply the best that there is. I received excellent care and any questions I had or answered so I could understand them. Not a procedure. I want it done, but it could not have gone better!

David Z.

We both love Dr. Quallich and the staff is always nice & helpful.

Shaun B.

Extremely friendly staff! From the moment I walked in the door until the moment I left I was treated with the greatest care. My procedure went perfectly!

Connie K.

Dr. Abidir and his staff are great to deal with. They always treat you will kindness and understanding. The wait time to get through to the appointment desk is a bit long at times. But I see that as a positive.issue, If the doctors were not good you would get through right away. It is worth the wait. So be kind to the girls , they are working hard to get to you.

Tracy M.

Friendly Service..

Jim Y.

My appointment went flawless. Staff was professional and compassionate. Explained the entire process and made sure I was well.

Katherine C.

My scheduled appointment started on time, check in was efficient and staff was pleasant and professional.

Christina H.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Donat and his entire staff, especially Sarah R., medical assistant. From the moment you walk into the office, you are treated with kindness, professionalism, and genuine compassion. Dr. Donat takes the time to truly listen to his patients, explain everything thoroughly, and make you feel comfortable and cared for. It’s rare to find a physician who combines such extensive knowledge with such an amazing bedside manner. The office runs efficiently and communication is excellent and prompt. Sarah R. deserves special recognition for her thorough patient care, attention to detail, and warm personality. She consistently goes above and beyond to help patients. Her dedication to her role does not go unnoticed. If you are looking for exceptional gastroenterology care or IV infusion services, I highly recommend Dr. Donat and his team. Five-star care from truly exceptional healthcare professionals!

Anthony G.

My procedure with Dr. Bologna went great. Couldn't have asked for a better experience. The entire staff were all very compassionate. As a physician myself, I was very comfortable having my procedure at Center for Digestive Health, and would recommend them to anyone.

Kathy O.

I highly recommend Dr Richard Willi at the Center for Digestive Health. My recent endoscopy went smoothly and very professionally. They are timely, patient focused and very courteous. I have also had my colonoscopies there with Dr Richard Willi.

Amanda P.

Easy to get appointment arrived and was helped and checked in within 10 minutes. Called back right away. Staff was super friendly and helpful. First time I have been at this location but it's became the choice one for me.

Linda T.

I receive an injection once every 6 months. I was greeted by friendly staff and seated promptly for my appointment on time. Everyone is very professional.

Marie S.

Kind and caring staff, Dr. Nandi is the best, just outstanding. Thank you.

Peter S.

Love this place. Dr Bologna is excellent and my whole family goes to him. Office staff is wonderful too… keep it up

Nancy C.

I am under the care of Dr. Freeha Khan. She is personable and easy to talk to and I feel she is caring and looking out for my well being.

Monique R.

Absolutely wonderful experience from scheduling to the procedure itself. Staff are caring and professional and Dr. Bakken is absolutely the best. I highly recommend CDH for any GI related issues.

Tracey S.

Dr. Quallich and his staff Were welcoming, professional, and thorough. I even got a call in the afternoon to make sure I was feeling OK and could digest food after my procedure. When you have to have a colonoscopy, this is the place to go.

Susan P.

Very prompt, professional and courteous from the check in procedure to the check out process!

d B.

Susan was beyond kind, helpful, understanding and a pleasure to talk to. She understood my concerns and I feel my care from here out will be a wonderful experience.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6251 reviews

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Cam P.

Had a great experience here. I’ve had issues for over 20 years that no one I went to believed me about. I finally came here and Dr. Bologna recognized what was going on and validated my symptoms and concerns instead of telling me it was all in my head. Finally got the right tests done to confirm what I knew for two decades and now I can have it taken care of. He also gave advice you don’t often hear from Drs; “When you meet with a surgeon for this, if you don’t get a good vibe from them, leave and find someone else. Don’t get treated by someone you’re not comfortable with.” Incredibly refreshing advice that made me even more sure I’d made the right call coming here in the first place.

Tricia G.

Everyone involved in my care was compassionate, efficient and informative.

Tom V.

Nicolette was very easy to talk to and was very knowledgeable in this field. I was able to get an appointment for a procedure a week later.

Shauna P.

Jennifer at Dr Webers office was friendly, and completely honest and explained to me what my different options were. I have been with this group for at least 12 years, and I have never been disappointed

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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