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Early Satiety
Struggling with feeling full after just a few bites? Early satiety can leave you undernourished. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen offers expert diagnosis and personalized treatment—from dietary guidance to advanced therapies—to restore appetite and improve overall digestive health.
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
Slow stomach emptying (gastroparesis)
Stomach inflammation (gastritis) or peptic ulcers
Pancreatic or liver disease
Abdominal tumors or masses
History of stomach surgery
Diabetes, certain medications, autoimmune disorders
Signs and Symptoms
Feeling full after only a few bites
Bloating or pressure in the upper abdomen
Nausea or occasional vomiting
Unintentional weight loss
Fatigue or weakness from poor nutrition
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He asks about your epigastric pain, early satiety, weight changes, past surgeries, medications and any autoimmune or metabolic conditions. A physical exam checks for abdominal tenderness, bloating or masses.
Blood Tests
We order a complete blood count to look for anemia, metabolic panels for liver and pancreatic function, and H. pylori serology or stool antigen to rule out infection.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal ultrasound to evaluate the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and rule out masses.
CT scan when a more detailed view of the stomach and surrounding organs is needed.
Upper endoscopy (EGD) to directly inspect the stomach lining for gastritis, ulcers or tumors and to obtain biopsies if indicated.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
If symptoms persist without a clear cause, he may recommend a gastric emptying study to measure motility or refer for specialized motility testing. In rare cases, he'll use biopsy results or gastric electrical stimulation monitoring to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for early satiety.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Tips
Eat smaller meals more often
Choose low-fat, soft foods
Avoid high-fiber foods that are hard to digest
Chew food well and sit upright after meals
Keep a food journal to track what works
2. Medications
Prokinetic drugs (like metoclopramide) to move food faster
Anti-nausea medicine
Acid-reducing drugs for ulcers or reflux
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Treatments
Botox injections during endoscopy to relax the stomach outlet
Gastric electrical stimulation (a small device that helps the stomach work better)
Surgery in rare cases when there's a physical blockage
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 early satiety?
The ICD-10 code for early satiety is R63.3. This code helps with billing and tracking your care.
What does early satiety mean?
Early satiety means you feel full too quickly and can't finish a normal-sized meal.
What causes early satiety?
Common causes include slow stomach emptying (gastroparesis), gastritis or ulcers, pancreas or liver problems, and tumors in the abdomen.
How is early satiety diagnosed?
Diagnosis may involve blood tests, upper endoscopy to view the stomach lining, gastric emptying studies, and imaging scans like ultrasound or CT.
Can changing my diet help?
Yes. Eating smaller, softer, low-fat meals more frequently, chewing well, and sitting upright after eating can improve symptoms.
When should I see a doctor?
See a gastroenterologist if you've felt full too soon or lost weight without trying for more than two weeks.
Are there advanced treatments available?
Yes. Options include Botox injections at the stomach outlet, gastric electrical stimulation, and, in rare cases, surgery.
