Experienced Fat Loss Gastroenterologist

Dr. Pothuri uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Physical Exam

He will inquire on the specific site, time, severity and nature of your epigastric pain, your relationship with food or drugs, alcohol consumption, the level of stress, and any related symptoms that ate swollen or weight loss.

Laboratory Tests

• Complete blood count (CBC) to look for anemia or infection
• Liver function tests (AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin) to rule out biliary causes
• Serum amylase and lipase to exclude pancreatitis
• H. pylori testing (urea breath test or stool antigen) to detect ulcer-forming bacteria

Imaging Studies

• Abdominal ultrasound to check for gallstones, bile duct dilation or fatty liver changes
• CT scan or MRI abdomen when more detailed views of the pancreas, biliary tree or other organs are needed

Endoscopic Evaluation

Endoscopy (EGD) directly to the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, to either graphically observe the esophagus, stomach and duodenum of evidence of gastritis, peptic ulcers, reflux disease or mucosal lesions.

Advanced Testing (if needed)

Endoscopic ultrasound due to subtle pancreatic or biliary pathology, gastric emptying examination due to any suspected gastroparesis, or a HIDA scan to evaluate the quality of the gallbladder and exclude any biliary dyskinesia.