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Conditions

Gastroparesis Treatment in Charlotte

Clear diagnosis, expert treatment, industry-leading care

Gastroparesis slows the movement of food through your stomach — but with the right care, symptoms can be effectively managed and quality of life preserved.

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Know the condition

Understanding Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach empties too slowly due to nerve dysfunction rather than a physical blockage. Charlotte Gastro specializes in diagnosing and managing this chronic condition with long-term, individualized care plans,  serving patients across Charlotte, Huntersville, and Mooresville.

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The most common cause is diabetes, particularly Type 1 or Type 2, which can damage the vagus nerve over time. Other causes include certain medications, surgeries, viral infections, autoimmune diseases, and neurological disorders.
KEY SYMPTOMS

Recognizing Symptoms

When Digestion Isn't Moving as It Should

Gastroparesis produces a range of uncomfortable symptoms that can interfere with eating, nutrition, and daily life. If these symptoms appear regularly, prompt evaluation is important to prevent complications.

Nausea and Vomiting

Persistent nausea and episodes of vomiting, particularly after eating, are hallmark symptoms of gastroparesis.

Bloating and Belching

The buildup of undigested food in the stomach causes uncomfortable abdominal bloating and frequent belching.

Early Satiety

Feeling uncomfortably full after eating only a small amount of food, even at the very start of a meal.

Prolonged Fullness

Continuing to feel full for several hours after finishing a meal, long past when digestion should have occurred.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Ongoing nausea and vomiting may make it difficult to maintain adequate nutrition, leading to unintended weight loss.

Lack of Appetite

Reduced desire to eat due to discomfort, nausea, or the anticipation of feeling unwell after meals.

Causes & Risk Factors

Causes and Risk Factors

Gastroparesis develops when the vagus nerve — which regulates stomach emptying — is damaged or not functioning properly. Several conditions and factors can contribute to this nerve dysfunction.

The most common cause of gastroparesis. Prolonged high blood sugar can damage the vagus nerve, impairing the stomach's ability to empty food into the small intestine at a normal rate.

Treatment Options

Treatment Options

Gastroparesis treatment is tailored to the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Your Charlotte Gastro physician will develop a comprehensive plan that may include one or more of the following approaches.

Diet Changes

Eating soft, low-fat, low-fiber foods in small, frequent meals helps the stomach manage digestion. Liquid diets or nutritional support may be recommended for severe cases.

Medications

Prescription medications can improve how efficiently food moves through the stomach and help control nausea and vomiting to make eating more comfortable and manageable.

Gastric Pacemaker

A device implanted in the abdomen that sends electrical signals to reduce nausea and improve gut motility. Our dedicated motility team — Drs. Schmitz, Zaidman, and Brotze — evaluates candidates.

G-POEM Surgery

An endoscopic procedure where a small incision is made at the junction of the stomach and small intestine to allow food to travel through more easily.

Living Well with Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is most often a chronic condition, but with the right treatment and support, you can minimize symptoms, maintain proper nutrition, and continue to enjoy a good quality of life. Charlotte Gastro is committed to helping you every step of the way.

Yes. Your doctor can help identify foods you tolerate well and create a meal plan that still includes foods you enjoy. Diet adjustments take time, but most patients find a sustainable approach with guidance.
Diagnostic Process

Getting Your Diagnosis

Diagnosing gastroparesis involves reviewing your medical history and conducting targeted tests to assess how your stomach is functioning. Your doctor will guide you through each step of the process.

Your doctor reviews your existing conditions — particularly diabetes — and performs a physical exam to identify abdominal symptoms and patterns consistent with gastroparesis.

FAQs

Gastroparesis is a serious medical condition that can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and blood sugar complications in people with diabetes. Without treatment, it can significantly impact your health and quality of life.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Digestive Health

Our Rea Farms, Randolph Road, Huntersville, Mint Hill, and Mooresville offices offer diagnosis and treatment for gastroparesis. We'll connect you with the right specialist to begin your care as quickly as possible.

Have questions about insurance? Our team can verify your coverage and let you know what to expect for out-of-pocket costs.

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