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Acute Pancreatitis
Struggling with excess weight? Morbid obesity from consuming more calories than you burn can pose serious health risks like diabetes, heart disease and joint pain. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen offers diagnosis, lifestyle support, medications, minimally invasive procedures.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Gallstones blocking the pancreatic duct
Heavy alcohol use
High triglyceride levels (hypertriglyceridemia)
Certain medications (e.g., steroids, thiazide diuretics)
Elevated calcium levels (hypercalcemia)
Abdominal trauma or endoscopic procedures (ERCP)
Signs and Symptoms
Sudden, severe upper abdominal pain often radiating to the back
Nausea and persistent vomiting
Abdominal tenderness and bloating
Fever and rapid heartbeat
Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) in some cases
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews the onset and pattern of your epigastric pain, alcohol use, gallstone history, recent medications, and any prior abdominal issues.
Blood Tests
We measure serum amylase and lipase levels to confirm pancreatic inflammation, plus liver enzymes, CBC, and metabolic panel to assess overall status.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal ultrasound to look for gallstones or biliary dilation.
Contrast-enhanced CT scan to evaluate the severity and complications of pancreatitis.
MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) when biliary obstruction is suspected.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
Endoscopic ultrasound or ERCP may be used to identify hidden stones, strictures, or to perform therapeutic intervention if biliary pancreatitis is confirmed.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for morbid obesity.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Set clear, realistic weight-loss goals tailored to you
Personalized meal plans that reduce calories without leaving you hungry
Exercise programs—walking, strength training, and more—to support steady progress
Regular check-ins to track your progress and adjust your plan
2. Medications for Weight Loss
Use of FDA-approved weight-loss medications when diet and exercise aren't enough
Pills that help curb appetite or reduce calorie absorption
Close monitoring to ensure safety and manage any side effects
3. Minimally Invasive Procedures
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty to reduce stomach volume
Gastric balloon placement for temporary portion control
Short recovery times with ongoing support for lasting results
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for morbid obesity?
The code is E66.01, which denotes morbid obesity caused by overeating and excess calorie storage.
What are the main symptoms of morbid obesity?
Key signs include a BMI ≥ 40, joint pain (knees/hips), shortness of breath, fatigue, poor sleep, and sleep apnea.
Can I lose weight without surgery?
Yes. Many patients achieve significant weight loss with personalized diet and exercise plans plus FDA-approved medications.
What is the recovery time after a minimally invasive procedure?
Most people return to normal activities within one week. Follow-up visits are scheduled at our Houston clinic to monitor your progress.
Does insurance cover these treatments?
Coverage varies by plan and provider. Our team will guide you through the insurance process to maximize your benefits.
When will I see results?
Lifestyle changes often yield noticeable results in 4-6 weeks. Endoscopic procedures may produce faster weight loss outcomes.
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