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PubMed This is a summary of 137 peer-reviewed journal articles Updated
Gastroenterology

Gastroparesis: A Patient's Guide

At a Glance

Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach empties too slowly due to nerve or muscle dysfunction, often described as stomach paralysis. It causes symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and bloating. Management focuses on dietary changes, medications, and sometimes surgery to improve quality of life.

Receiving a diagnosis of gastroparesis can be frightening and confusing. You may have been told your stomach is “paralyzed,” or you may have struggled for months or years to find an answer for your nausea and pain.

This guide is designed to help you understand your condition, navigate the medical system, and take back control of your life. It is not a substitute for medical advice, but a tool to help you work better with your doctor.

What is Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis literally means “stomach paralysis.” It is a condition where the stomach empties too slowly, not because of a blockage, but because the nerves or muscles aren’t working properly. This delay can cause nausea, vomiting, bloating, and difficulty eating.

How to Use This Guide

We have broken down the information into specific topics to help you find what you need:

01

You Have Gastroparesis: First Steps & Orientation

Newly diagnosed with gastroparesis? Learn what stomach paralysis means, how to adjust your diet to reduce nausea, and the first steps for managing your care.

02

How Your Stomach Works (and Why It's Slow)

Understand why gastroparesis slows digestion. Learn how the vagus nerve, pacemaker cells (ICCs), and pyloric valve malfunction to cause stomach paralysis.

03

Causes & Subtypes of Gastroparesis

Discover the causes of gastroparesis, including diabetes, post-viral issues, and surgery. Learn how medications like Ozempic and opioids impact stomach emptying.

04

Symptoms & Getting a Diagnosis

Identify gastroparesis symptoms like early satiety and vomiting. Learn why the 4-hour Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy (GES) is the gold standard for diagnosis.

05

The Gastroparesis Diet: Eating for Emptying

Learn how to eat with gastroparesis. This guide covers the low-fat, low-fiber diet, safe vs. unsafe vegetables, preventing bezoars, and managing flares.

06

Medications for Gastroparesis

Learn about gastroparesis medications, including prokinetics (Reglan, Domperidone) and antiemetics. Understand benefits, side effects, and safety warnings.

07

Procedures & Surgery: Beyond Medication

Learn about surgical treatments for gastroparesis when medications fail. Compare G-POEM, gastric electrical stimulation (Enterra), and pyloroplasty options.

08

When You Can't Eat: Feeding Tubes & Nutrition Support

Learn about nutrition support for severe gastroparesis. Understand the differences between NJ tubes, J-tubes, venting G-tubes, and TPN for weight stabilization.

09

Living with Gastroparesis: Daily Management & Coping

Learn to manage daily life with gastroparesis. Understand the diabetic vicious cycle, how to create a flare plan, and coping strategies for mental health.

You are not alone in this journey. With the right knowledge and team, you can manage your symptoms and live a full life.

Common questions in this guide

What is gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach empties too slowly, not due to a blockage, but because the nerves or muscles of the stomach are not working properly. It is often referred to as "stomach paralysis."
What causes gastroparesis?
The three main types mentioned are diabetic gastroparesis, post-surgical gastroparesis, and idiopathic gastroparesis, where the cause is unknown. Your specific type may influence your treatment plan.
What are the symptoms of gastroparesis?
Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, bloating, and difficulty eating. Patients often experience a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount of food.
How is gastroparesis treated?
Treatment typically starts with dietary changes, often called the "gastroparesis diet." Other options include medications like prokinetics and antiemetics, and in more severe cases, surgical procedures or tube feeding.
When should I go to the ER for gastroparesis?
You should ask your doctor about warning signs for serious complications like severe dehydration or bezoars (hardened masses of food). Immediate medical attention is often required for these issues.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Curated prompts to bring to your next appointment.

  1. 1.What specific type of gastroparesis do you suspect I have, and how does that change my treatment plan?
  2. 2.Can you refer me to a motility specialist or a registered dietitian who is experienced with gastroparesis?
  3. 3.What are the signs of a serious complication like a bezoar or severe dehydration that should send me to the ER?

Questions For You

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This guide explains gastroparesis and its management for educational purposes. Always consult your gastroenterologist for medical advice and treatment plans.

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