Stomach keeps slowing down even when you don’t want it to? That’s gastroparesis — delayed emptying of the stomach that causes nausea, bloating, fullness after small meals, and sometimes weight loss. You don’t have to accept those days as normal. Here’s a plain, useful guide to what actually helps, from food choices to medicines and when to see a specialist.
Food changes are the first and most powerful step. Eat small meals 4–6 times a day instead of three big ones. Choose low-fat, low-fiber foods — fats and fiber slow stomach emptying. Think smooth foods: soups, smoothies, mashed potatoes, eggs, white rice, and lean poultry. If solids cause nausea, try nutrient-dense liquids (commercial shakes or homemade smoothies) because liquids usually pass faster.
Chew well and eat slowly. Sit upright while eating and for 30–60 minutes after meals to help gravity do its job. Keep a symptom diary for a week: note what you eat, how it sits, and timing of symptoms. That helps your clinician tailor treatment. If you’re diabetic, tight blood sugar control matters — high blood sugar itself slows the stomach further, so work with your diabetes team to avoid spikes.
Doctors usually try medications next. Prokinetic drugs help the stomach move better — common ones include metoclopramide and domperidone. Metoclopramide can help but may cause movement side effects in some people; domperidone is used in places where it’s available. Erythromycin can act like a prokinetic short-term but may lose effect over time and can interact with other drugs.
For nausea, antiemetic medications (ondansetron, promethazine) can bring relief while other treatments work. If medicines fail, there are procedural options: gastric electrical stimulation (a small implanted device) can reduce nausea and vomiting for some people. In severe cases where oral intake is unsafe, a feeding tube to the small bowel or surgical options like pyloroplasty are considered. These steps are for persistent, serious cases — talk them over with a gastroenterologist.
Don’t ignore nutrition. If weight is falling or meals aren’t staying down, ask about a dietitian and possible supplemental feeding. Also review all your current medications with your doctor — many pills can slow stomach emptying and changing timing or formulation can help.
When to call your doctor? If you have dehydration, vomiting that won’t stop, sudden weight loss, or uncontrolled blood sugar, get medical help quickly. If your symptoms are milder, start with diet changes, keep a log, and book a gastroenterology visit to discuss medication options and testing (like gastric emptying studies).
Gastroparesis can be managed. With the right food plan, targeted meds, and timely specialty care, most people find big relief. Ask your healthcare team for a clear, step-by-step plan you can follow at home.
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