1.9K Reviews | 4.7 Star Rating | 20+ years of experience | 72k+ Patients Treated
Early Satiety
Struggling with feeling full after just a few bites? Dr. Scott at GastroDoxs in Houston specializes in diagnosing and treating early satiety. From dietary changes and medications to advanced endoscopic therapies, our approach helps restore appetite and quality of life.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
What Is Early Satiety?
Early satiety is the sensation of feeling full after eating only a small amount of food. You may stop eating even when you're still hungry, often due to delayed stomach emptying or other underlying digestive conditions.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying)
Peptic ulcers or gastritis
Functional dyspepsia (no clear structural cause)
Diabetes or diabetic nerve damage
History of abdominal surgery
Certain medications (e.g., opioids, some antidepressants)
Age over 60
Smoking and heavy alcohol use
Signs and Symptoms
Feeling full very quickly, even with small meals
Bloating or a sense of pressure in the upper abdomen
Nausea or mild discomfort after eating
Unintended weight loss over weeks or months
Poor appetite or cutting meals short due to fullness
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Early Satiety
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews your eating habits, how quickly you feel full, associated symptoms like nausea or weight loss, history of prior abdominal surgeries, and any medications that could slow digestion.
Blood Tests
Blood work evaluates for anemia, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, infection, and key vitamin or nutrient deficiencies that may contribute to reduced appetite or early fullness.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal ultrasound to check for liver, gallbladder, or pancreatic abnormalities
CT scan to visualize structural causes such as tumors, masses, or fluid buildup
Functional Gastric Testing
Gastric emptying scan to assess how quickly the stomach processes food
Antroduodenal manometry to evaluate coordination and strength of stomach and intestinal contractions
Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
Used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for inflammation, ulcers, narrowing, or hidden growths that may cause early satiety.
H. pylori Testing
Breath or stool antigen tests are used to detect Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria linked to gastritis and early satiety in many patients.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for early satiety.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Eat smaller meals, more often
Chew slowly and thoroughly
Avoid high-fat or high-fiber foods
Sit upright for 30 minutes after eating
Incorporate relaxation or stress-reducing habits
2. Medications
Prokinetics (e.g., metoclopramide) to help the stomach empty faster
Acid reducers (e.g., proton pump inhibitors) to calm inflammation
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is early satiety?
Early satiety is when you feel full after eating only a small amount of food, often stopping before you've had enough.
What's the ICD-10 code for early satiety?
It's R14.0, listed under digestive symptoms in the ICD-10 classification.
How is early satiety treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include dietary adjustments, prokinetic or acid-reducing medications, antiemetics, or endoscopic procedures.
When should I see a doctor for early satiety?
If you're losing weight unintentionally, experiencing frequent nausea, or can't finish meals, you should seek medical evaluation.
Can diet alone help with early satiety?
Some patients improve with smaller, more frequent meals and lifestyle changes, but many require additional medical therapies.
Is early satiety serious?
Yes. If left untreated, it can cause poor nutrition, unintended weight loss, and reduced quality of life. Early intervention is key.
Does insurance cover treatment for early satiety?
Most insurance plans cover diagnostic tests and treatments for early satiety under gastrointestinal health benefits.
