Gastroparesis means "slow stomach." It occurs when the stomach muscles don't contract properly, so food stays in the stomach too long instead of moving into the small intestine. This delay can lead to pain, bloating and nutritional problems.
Many people don't notice symptoms early on, but as gastroparesis progresses, you may experience:
Gastroparesis can arise for several reasons, including:
At GastroDoxs, our experienced gastroparesis specialists in Houston deliver patient-centered, comprehensive care-from advanced diagnostics and personalized nutrition plans to cutting-edge medication and device therapies. We’re committed to guiding you every step of the way toward long-term relief and improved quality of life. Ready to regain control of your digestive health? Book an Appointment Today with GastroDoxs, and let our Houston team support you on your journey to feeling better.
We've successfully treated more than 1.3K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
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.
The primary ICD-10-CM code for idiopathic gastroparesis is K31.84. If your gastroparesis is related to diabetes, the appropriate codes range from E08.43 through E13.43, depending on the type and complications of your diabetes.
Some people with mild gastroparesis see significant improvement or complete symptom relief through dietary changes, medications, and lifestyle modifications. Others may require long-term management to control symptoms.
Duration varies widely. Some patients recover within a few months, while others live with chronic symptoms and require ongoing treatment and monitoring.
Diagnosis may involve a combination of gastric emptying studies (scintigraphy or breath tests), upper endoscopy to rule out obstruction, and clinical evaluation of symptoms to confirm delayed stomach emptying.
Easy-to-digest foods such as applesauce, cooked or pureed vegetables, lean meats, broths, and low-fat dairy products are generally better tolerated and can help reduce bloating and nausea.
Avoid high-fat and high-fiber foods such as fried items, beans, raw salads, soda, and fatty cuts of meat, as these can delay stomach emptying and worsen symptoms.
Yes. At GastroDoxs we offer a free, customized gastroparesis meal plan PDF designed to meet your nutritional needs while minimizing symptoms. Just ask our team for details.
"Cure" depends on the individual. Many patients achieve significant relief through a tailored combination of dietary adjustments, prokinetic medications, and in some cases, devices like gastric pacemakers or Botox injections.
A gut motility stimulator is a small, implantable device that delivers mild electrical pulses to the stomach muscles, helping to coordinate contractions and speed up gastric emptying.
Yes. Diabetic gastroparesis requires diabetes-specific ICD-10-CM codes (E08.43-E13.43), which reflect the type of diabetes and any associated complications. Our team can guide you to the correct code.
