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Gastroparesis
Houston-based gastroenterologist Dr. Scott at GastroDoxs specializes in diagnosing, managing gastroparesis, a condition characterized by delayed stomach emptying. Through personalized plans-ranging from diet adjustments and medications to advanced therapies like Botox and electrical stimulation-he helps patients regain comfort and control.
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 Gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach empties food too slowly without any physical blockage, leading to delayed digestion and related discomfort.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Diabetes (especially long-standing or poorly controlled)
Viral infections affecting stomach nerves
Medications such as opioids, anticholinergics, and certain antidepressants
Nervous system disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis)
Previous stomach or vagus-nerve surgery
Idiopathic (unknown) causes
Signs and Symptoms
Nausea or vomiting undigested food
Early satiety (feeling full after small meals)
Bloating and upper-abdominal discomfort
Heartburn or acid reflux
Unintended weight loss or malnutrition
Erratic blood sugar levels in people with diabetes
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews your symptom profile-nausea, bloating, epigastric pain-along with medication use, prior surgeries, and diabetes management.
Gastric Emptying Study
This nuclear scintigraphy measures the rate of stomach emptying to confirm delayed transit. (ICD-10 code: K31.84)
Imaging and Endoscopy
Upper endoscopy rules out obstructions, ulcers, or gastritis.
Abdominal ultrasound checks for gallstones, biliary disease, or other causes of epigastric pain.
Additional Testing (if needed)
Advanced tests such as wireless motility capsules or antroduodenal manometry can precisely assess gastric muscle function and nerve activity.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for gastroparesis.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Changes
Eat 5-6 small, frequent meals each day
Choose low-fat, low-fiber foods that are easier to digest
Chew thoroughly and remain upright for at least 30 minutes after eating
Sip water slowly between bites to help move food through
2. Medications
Prokinetic agents (e.g., metoclopramide) to speed gastric emptying
Antiemetics (e.g., ondansetron) to control nausea and vomiting
Optimized diabetes medications to maintain stable blood sugar levels
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Botox injections into the pyloric muscle to ease gastric outlet resistance
Gastric electrical stimulation (gastric pacemaker) for refractory cases
Endoscopic pyloromyotomy to widen the stomach's exit channel
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 causes the stomach to slow down?
Nerve damage or weak stomach muscles can delay digestion.
How soon will I feel better?
Most people feel relief in a few weeks after changing their diet and starting medicine.
Can gastroparesis lead to malnutrition?
Yes. Without care, you might lose weight or miss key nutrients.
Does gastric bypass raise the risk?
Yes. Any stomach surgery can affect how nerves work and slow gastric emptying.
Can gastroparesis go away on its own?
Sometimes. A few post-viral cases improve on their own, but most people need long-term treatment.
Are there support groups in Houston?
Yes. Houston Digestive Disease Support offers monthly meetups for people with gastroparesis.
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