Gastroparesis

Overview

Gastroparesis is a disorder in which the muscles in the stomach and the intestine do not work normally, causing food to move slowly or to stop moving through the digestive tract. This can prevent your stomach from properly emptying after you eat.

One of the most common causes of gastroparesis is diabetes, though it may also be caused by stomach surgery, viral infections, certain medications, or metabolic disorders.

Symptoms of gastroparesis, which range in severity, include heartburn, pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, bloating, gastroesophageal reflux, or lack of appetite.

 

Applicable Procedures

EGD

 

How serious is gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis can interfere with your quality of life and lead to dehydration and malnutrition from vomiting. It can also cause unpredictable changes in blood sugar and worsen diabetes. If undigested food stays in your stomach, it may form into a bezoar, which is a hardened mass of food. If you have a bezoar, you may experience nausea and vomiting. The situation can also be life-threatening if the bezoar stops food from making its way to your small intestine.

 

How is gastroparesis treated?

Oftentimes, gastroparesis can be managed by changes to the diet. A doctor may refer you to a nutritionist to help you make dietary changes or to get diabetes under better control if this is the cause of the condition. A doctor may also prescribe medications to stimulate the stomach muscles or to alleviate nausea and vomiting. In some cases, you may need a feeding tube, often temporarily, until symptoms are under control.

 

Can a doctor cure gastroparesis?

There is no cure for gastroparesis, but you can alleviate the symptoms by changing your eating habits and taking medications.

 

Common Symptoms

  • “I have type 2 diabetes, and I experienced rapid changes in my blood sugar levels, along with a lack of appetite and weight loss.”
  • “I started to feel full after eating just a few bites of food, and I was vomiting undigested food a few hours after eating.”
  • “I had unexplained abdominal pain, as well as nausea and vomiting.”

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What They Are Saying

Karen B.
For a procedure that is not very looked forward to, or dignified, everyone took care of me respectfully, and made sure I was comfortable, available to answer any questions professionally, and with a sense of humor. Thank you for your expertise, when people feel most vulnerable. I was as much at ease as a person could be, and appreciate your staff and their kindness.
Deborah M.
Wonderful experience at surgery center. In and out on time with great care by all staff from front desk to release!
Janet G.
Everyone had there place and did it very well, all kind and compassionate, and Dr Bologna. Thank You Everyone
Chuck O.
By far the best service I have ever received at a physicians office. It started with the young lady who took my information and it continued through my procedure and ended with the young man that made sure I made it to my car OK after my anesthesia. Five stars isn’t enough
Don M.
Awesome staff and doctor. Couldn't be more pleased.
Sharon M.
The girl helping me in the room was very pleasant. Very intuitive. Very alert and right on top of everything. I thank her very much. She made the experience very nice. + That's it. Thank you goodbye . Dr. Syed was very pleasant. I enjoyed talking with her. I think that she has a new patient. Thank you, goodbye
Leanna N.
Dr. John Weber is an outstanding doctor. I've had 4 colonoscopies at this center and his friendly professional personality makes you feel relaxed and comfortable. His staff follows his lead and are excellent as well. You are in good hands with Dr. Weber at the Center for digestive Health.
Daniel R.
I was treated with kind professional care and I recommend the Center for Digestive Health to anyone looking for a good place to take care of you.
Aaron R.
Staff were kind and professional.
catherine M.
It was an easy, patient friendly experience. Questions could be addressed and answered because the PA had access to medical records and was informed
Ellen H.
I’m old enough so I don’t need to have to get any more. Yea!!!!!
Kathy L.
All of the staff at the Center for Digestive Health/Surgical Centers of Michigan appeared very personable, professional and efficient performing their designated duties. I felt very comfortable under their care. I would highly recommend this facility to anyone needing Digestive Health/Surgical Care.
Irene M.
I appreciate the convenience of virtual appointments.
Greg G.
The team was kind and efficient. As good of an experience as I could ask for.
Larry M.
Your Macomb facility is the best. The best support staff and the best health care facilitators and doctors. I feel blessed to have been under their care.
Mehrdad N.
i was very please with the staff and their care. Thank you
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
Joann K.
excellent experience with PA Noelle. very thorough andd good advice.
Heather W.
This was my 1st colonoscopy & this team was so very professional & helpful! Roger took great care of me & my concerns!
Russ R.
I spoke with Justina early in the afternoon and updated my history and medications. When I spoke with Dr Nandi later it was clear he had reviewed that information and considered it when deciding next steps. There was no time wasted repeating things. Dr Nandi was aware of all of my previous procedures and problems and addressed everything. Could not be happier with the encounter.
M Z G.
Noelle was very thorough. She remembered what we had discussed before an gave me some new options! The office staff is also very helpful! Thank you!
Angela B.
Dr. Bakken is incredibly kind and understanding. She made me feel welcome and she genuinely listens.
Lynn C.
Wonderful experience from start to finish! The employees at unasource were so nice and friendly. The procedure was much more pleasant than the hospital setting! Thank you!
Robert M.
Would HIGHLY recommend this practice to anyone looking for a Gastroenterologist. They are incredibly efficient and treat their patients like gold!
Robert M.
Dr Balogna was extremely attentive and asked many questions to find a good resolution to my issues. Dr was easy to talk with and ideas were insightful.
Karin P.
They were punctual, Courteous and well organized
Dave B.
why send review ir Cordwell health , they change what you write Dr Nandy is a great concerning dr.
Jason W.
The staff at Center for Digestive Health were just amazing! They were so nice, and very professional! As a new patient going through his first screening, they made me feel VERY comfortable. Great staff 10/10, 5 stars etc. everybody go works they should be very proud.
Steve R.
Repeat Client - I arrived at 10:20am for a Colonoscopy procedure, and was on my way to Lunch by 11:30am. The entire staff was great, very thorough and efficient from start to finish. Best sleep I ever had, see you in another 5 Dr. Bologna 👍🏻👍🏻

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.

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.

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