1.9K Reviews    |    4.7 Star Rating    |    20+ years of experience    |    72k+ Patients Treated

Gastroparesis treatment - Dr. Bharat Pothuri

Thousands of people get gastroparesis, which slows down the emptying of the stomach, leads to the feeling of nausea, bloating, and weight loss. Dr. Bharat Pothuri provides the diagnosis and treatment of the patients, such as diet changes and medications or other more advanced procedures, in order to bring them comfort, nutrition, and quality of life, at GastroDoxs in Houston.

Call Us 832-632-4070 Schedule Now Click Here Text Us 832-632-4070 Learn More Click Here
Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Memorial hermann
Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Bharat Pothuri

About the Expert

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a board-certified gastroenterologist and the founder of GastroDoxs. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

What Is Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis is the situation where the stomach releases food into the small intestines at a slower rate than usual. The effects of this delay can include nausea, bloating, filling easily, causing obstruction of nutrient absorption and glycosylated blood, among others.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Diabetes -chronic high blood sugar can damage the stomach's nerves
  • Prior stomach or esophageal surgery -may disrupt normal gastric motility
  • Certain medications -such as opioids, antidepressants, or blood pressure drugs
  • Idiopathic -in many cases, no specific cause is identified
  • Age and long-term nerve disorders -older adults or those with neuropathies are at higher risk

Signs and Symptoms

  • Nausea or frequent vomiting
  • Abdominal bloating or discomfort
  • Early satiety -feeling full after only small amounts of food
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Blood sugar fluctuations, especially in diabetics

Expert Treatment for Gastroparesis by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

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

Medical History and Exam

He goes over your symptoms (nausea, bloating, early satiety), your dietary patterns, your medications (particularly opioids or anticholinergics), and whether you had diabetes or had an abdominal surgery in the past.

Gastric Emptying Study

A nuclear medicine test is an examination where a measurable amount of a radiolabeled meal that is consumed by the victim is monitored within four hours to determine its speed in leaving the stomach.

Endoscopy or Ultrasound

  • Upper endoscopy (EGD) checks for mechanical obstruction, ulcers, or inflammation.
  • Abdominal ultrasound rules out gallstones and assesses overall abdominal anatomy.

Advanced Testing (if needed)

Other tests may be included-a breath test to identify small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or a wireless motility capsule (-smart pill-) to measure pH, pressure and temperatures can be used to identify the cause and therefore direct treatment.

Bharat Pothuri
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for gastroparesis.

1. Diet and Lifestyle Changes

  • Eat small meals five or six times a day
  • Choose low-fat, low-fiber foods
  • Try soft or blended foods
  • Chew slowly and take your time during meals

2. Medications

    Diet and Lifestyle Changes

    • Take lots of small meals, 5 or 6 times a day.
    • Select low-fat, low-fiber foods.
    • Try soft or blended foods.
    • Eat slowly and at your own pace.

    Medications

    • Prokinetic medications to aid in stomach movements.
    • Antiemetics to reduce nausea.
    • Optimize blood sugar regulation in diabetic patients.

    Minimal or Complex Surgeries

    • Outlet relaxation via Botox injections to the stomach.
    • Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) to increase motility.
    • G-POEM, a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure, to assist with the passage of food.
1.3K

Patients Treated

Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 1.3K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

20Y

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

ICD-10 Code of Gastroparesis

The ICD-10 code for gastroparesis is K31.84, which is used in medical records and insurance billing.

Will Gastroparesis Go Away?

Some individuals improve with the correct diet, medications, and lifestyle modifications, although others may continue to experience symptoms.

Duration of Gastric Emptying Test

A normal gastric emptying test lasts approximately 4 hours, and patients can usually go home the same day.

Diabetes as a Cause

Yes. Chronic high blood sugar can damage the nerves that control stomach emptying, leading to gastroparesis.

Natural Remedies for Gastroparesis

Small, low-fat meals, acupuncture, or ginger may help. It is recommended to consult your doctor before starting any supplements.

When Medications Don’t Work

If diet and medications fail, procedures such as gastric electrical stimulation (GES) or G-POEM may be suggested.

Related Blogs
Abdominal Pain

Feel Like You Always Have Food Stuck in Your Throat? You May Have Dysphagia

Read More
Abdominal Pain

Dysphagia

Read More
Abdominal Pain

Lifestyle Adjustments to Manage Dysphagia

Read More