Have you ever suspected that your digestive system isn’t working like it should? Like food is sitting there way too long and you’re feeling the effects? You’re not alone. While Gastroparesis isn’t a very common condition, it sure is frustrating (and uncomfortable) to live with. The good news is, there are gastroparesis treatments in New Jersey that can make a big difference in your quality of life.
Your stomach is designed to be a smooth-running machine. But with gastroparesis, it’s like the gears are stuck. It causes food to empty out of the stomach too slowly, resulting in nausea, bloating, discomfort, and more.
Our bariatric experts in New Jersey at Weight Loss and Wellness Center can help you get to the bottom of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan tailored for you. We’re not offering quick fixes. We’re offering lasting solutions for gastroparesis and other chronic digestive issues. We’re here to help you get your digestive system back on track — and to get you back to enjoying life!
Understanding Gastroparesis: What You Need to Know\
What is Gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis, or delayed gastric emptying, means your stomach isn’t moving food along as it should. Think of it like a traffic jam in your digestive system. You might experience:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling stuffed after small meals
- Bloating and stomach discomfort
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Wildly fluctuating blood sugar, particularly if you have diabetes
These symptoms can vary, and you might have good days and bad days.
What Causes Gastroparesis?
The root cause isn’t always clear, but here are some common factors we see::
- Diabetes: High blood sugar can damage the nerves that control your stomach.
- Surgical Complications: If you’ve had stomach surgery, it could affect nerve function.
- Medications: Some painkillers and antidepressants can slow digestion.
- Neurological Conditions: Conditions like Parkinson’s or MS can play a role.
- Infections: Certain viruses can damage stomach nerves.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like scleroderma or lupus can have an effect.
Also, being a woman or having a history of GERD can increase your risk.
How Gastroparesis Impacts Your Life
Gastroparesis can take a toll in many ways. This condition can cause:
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Trouble absorbing nutrients can lead to health issues.
- Dehydration: Frequent vomiting can cause dehydration.
- Emotional Stress: Dealing with chronic symptoms can lead to anxiety or depression.
- Social and Work Challenges: Unpredictable symptoms can disrupt your daily routine.
- Complications: In severe cases, undigested food can form bezoars in your stomach.
Understanding gastroparesis is key to managing it. Here at Weight Loss and Wellness Center, we are dedicated to helping people in New Jersey find relief from gastroparesis and improve their quality of life.
Diagnosing Gastroparesis: Getting to the Bottom of Your Stomach Troubles
Gastric Emptying Tests
- Scintigraphy, The Gold Standard: This is like a high-tech tracking system. You’ll eat a meal with a tiny bit of radioactive material (don’t worry, it’s safe!). Then, a special camera watches how quickly that meal moves through your stomach over a few hours. This gives us a clear picture of your stomach’s emptying rate.
- Breath Tests, A Non-Radioactive Option: If you’re not keen on the radioactive tracer, breath tests are an alternative. You’ll eat a special meal, and we’ll analyze your breath at different time intervals. This helps us measure how quickly your stomach is processing that food.
Upper GI Endoscopy
During a gastrointestinal endoscopy, you’ll be sedated for comfort. A thin tube with a camera will go down your throat and into your stomach. This allows us to check for blockages or other issues that might be causing your symptoms. It also helps rule out other conditions.
Ultrasound
Using sound waves, an ultrasound creates images of your organs. This helps rule out other problems with your gallbladder, pancreas, or other abdominal organs that could be mimicking gastroparesis symptoms.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of gastroparesis, don’t wait in discomfort. Schedule a consultation with our experienced team at Weight Loss and Wellness Center today. We’ll work with you to diagnose your condition and develop a personalized plan to get you feeling like yourself again.
Treatment Options for Gastroparesis in NJ
Non-Surgical Gastroparesis Treatments
Medication
There are a few medication options to help improve your stomach motility disorder. Your gastroparesis doctor might suggest:
- Metoclopramide: Helps your stomach contract and eases nausea.
- Motilin Agonists (like erythromycin): Speeds up stomach emptying.
- Serotonin Agonists (like cisapride): These can be helpful, but must be used carefully.
Your gastroparesis doctor may recommend other medications to tackle additional symptoms, such as anti-nausea meds, acid reducers, pain relievers, and blood sugar control.
Dietary Changes
What you eat matters — big time! Our nutritional experts may recommend the following:
- Small, frequent meals.
- Low-fat, low-fiber foods.
- Staying hydrated.
- Liquid or pureed diets during flare-ups.
Other Lifestyle Changes
A few simple lifestyle changes, in conjunction with medical treatment, can help make big improvements in your symptoms. Here are some things to try:
- Avoid lying down after meals.
- Quit smoking.
- Manage stress.
- Engage in gentle exercise daily.
Surgical Options For Treating Gastroparesis
If meds and a gastroparesis diet aren’t enough to get your symptoms under control, we may consider surgical options:
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- Pyloroplasty: Widening the stomach’s exit.
- Gastric Bypass: Creating a new food pathway. This is typically only considered in very severe cases.
- Enterra Therapy: This minimally-invasive procedure is one of our specialties at Weight Loss and Wellness Center. Unlike other surgical procedures, it’s easily customizable and even reversible.
Our team at Weight Loss and Wellness Center in New Jersey is ready to help you find the right gastroparesis solution for you. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your options and start feeling better.
Finding A NJ Gastroparesis Doctor
Why a Specialist Matters
When you’re dealing with gastroparesis, you need the right expert. Gastrointestinal surgeons and bariatric surgeons specialize in treating these tricky digestive issues.
How to Find the Best Fit
- Do Your Homework: Look for specialists in your area who know gastroparesis inside and out. Check for doctors at reputable hospitals and medical centers — they often have dedicated digestive health clinics. Always look for doctors who are board-certified in their surgical specialty.
- Ask Around: Your primary care doctor is a great resource. Also, check out local support groups or online forums for recommendations.
Your Local NJ Resource: Weight Loss and Wellness Center
At Weight Loss and Wellness Center, we understand the complexities of gastroparesis. We work closely with a network of specialized gastroenterologists in New Jersey. We can help guide you to the right specialist and provide comprehensive support for your digestive health.
Don’t let gastroparesis control your life. Contact Weight Loss and Wellness Center today to discuss your symptoms and get connected with a trusted specialist in New Jersey.
Living Well with Gastroparesis: Your NJ Support Network
Gastroparesis can feel extremely isolating, but you’re not alone. There are a few ways to find helpful, New Jersey-based resources while living with gastroparesis.
Support Groups
GI specialists in NJ may have access to support groups where you can connect with others who get it. Share experiences, learn tips, and find encouragement. Online communities also offer a wider network of support.
Educational Resources
Knowledge is power! Hospitals and medical centers across NJ offer educational materials, workshops, and other resources on gastroparesis. Learn about treatments and self-management. Many local gastroenterologists also provide patient education sessions.
Nutritional Counseling
Diet is a huge component in the management of gastroparesis. Registered dietitians in New Jersey — like the ones at Weight Loss and Wellness Center — specialize in digestive disorders and will create a personalized meal plan for you with your specific condition in mind. They’ll guide you on what to eat, what to avoid, and how to stay properly nourished.
Taking Care of Your Mind: Mental Health Support
Chronic conditions can affect your mental well-being. NJ offers mental health services, including therapists experienced in helping patients living with chronic illness. They can help you manage stress and maintain a positive outlook.
Don’t let gastroparesis hold you back from living your best life. Contact Weight Loss and Wellness Center today to learn more about support and resources available in New Jersey.
Your Path to Better Digestive Health in NJ
Living with gastroparesis can be tough, but here at Weight Loss and Wellness Center, we’re committed to helping you find relief. We’ve got advanced tests, a wide range of treatments (from meds to surgery), and an array of helpful resources at-the-ready.
Remember, understanding your symptoms and getting a proper diagnosis is key. We’re here to get to the bottom of your symptoms, connect you with necessary specialists, guide you through treatment options, and help you find the support you need.
Let’s work together to create a personalized plan so you can take control and live your best life. Schedule your free consultation with our expert bariatric surgeon, Dr. Majid, to discuss your concerns and explore personalized treatment options.
Call us at (973) 795-7955 or visit our website at www.weightlossandwellnesscenter.com to book your appointment. Let’s start your journey towards better digestive health and improved well-being!
