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Gastroparesis, literally meaning "stomach paralysis," is a chronic condition in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents into the small intestine. Normally, strong muscular contractions propel food through the digestive tract. In gastroparesis, the stomach's motility is impaired, causing food to remain in the stomach for an abnormally long time. This leads to a range of distressing symptoms that can significantly impact quality of life and nutritional status.
The most common causes of gastroparesis include diabetes (diabetic gastroparesis accounts for about one-third of cases), post-surgical complications, medications (particularly opioids and certain antidepressants), and viral infections. In many cases, the cause remains unknown (idiopathic gastroparesis). Women are affected about four times more frequently than men, and the condition affects an estimated 5 million Americans.
Dr. Jing Tong provides comprehensive gastroparesis evaluation and management at his Flushing, Queens office. His diagnostic approach includes upper endoscopy to rule out mechanical obstruction and gastric emptying studies to confirm delayed emptying. As a Johns Hopkins trained gastroenterologist, Dr. Tong develops individualized treatment plans combining dietary modifications, medication therapy, and when necessary, endoscopic interventions such as gastric per-oral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) or Botox injection of the pyloric sphincter.
Persistent nausea, vomiting undigested food hours after eating
Feeling full after eating only a small amount of food
Severe abdominal bloating and distension
Upper abdominal pain and discomfort after meals
Acid reflux worsened by delayed stomach emptying
Poor appetite leading to weight loss and nutritional deficiencies
Dr. Tong first performs upper endoscopy to rule out mechanical obstruction (tumors, strictures, ulcers) that could mimic gastroparesis symptoms. A gastric emptying scintigraphy (4-hour study tracking how quickly food leaves your stomach) confirms the diagnosis.
The cornerstone of gastroparesis management is dietary change. Dr. Tong recommends small, frequent meals (5-6 per day), low-fat and low-fiber foods, thoroughly chewing food, and staying upright after eating. Liquid meals may be better tolerated during flares.
Prokinetic medications (metoclopramide, domperidone, erythromycin) help stimulate stomach contractions. Anti-nausea medications (ondansetron, promethazine) manage nausea and vomiting. For diabetic gastroparesis, optimizing blood sugar control is essential.
For refractory cases, Dr. Tong's therapeutic endoscopy expertise enables advanced treatments including pyloric Botox injection to relax the pyloric sphincter, and endoscopic pyloromyotomy (G-POEM) to permanently improve gastric emptying.
Dr. Tong provides ongoing monitoring, adjusting treatment as needed. For diabetic patients, he coordinates with your endocrinologist for optimal blood sugar management. Nutritional counseling ensures adequate intake despite dietary restrictions.
Expert knowledge of the latest gastroparesis management strategies, from dietary therapy to advanced endoscopic interventions.
Licensed to perform advanced interventions like pyloric Botox and G-POEM for medication-resistant gastroparesis.
Dietary and treatment instructions provided in English, Mandarin, and Shanghainese for clear understanding.
Roosevelt Avenue location for regular follow-up appointments, accessible by 7 train, LIRR, bus, and car.
Common causes include diabetes (damage to the vagus nerve controlling stomach muscles), post-surgical complications, certain medications (opioids, anticholinergics), and viral infections. In about 35% of cases, the cause is unknown (idiopathic gastroparesis).
While gastroparesis is typically a chronic condition, symptoms can be effectively managed in most patients through dietary changes, medications, and endoscopic procedures. Post-viral gastroparesis sometimes resolves within 1-2 years.
Focus on small, frequent meals of low-fat, low-fiber foods. Well-cooked vegetables, lean proteins, soups, and smoothies are often well-tolerated. Avoid high-fat foods, raw vegetables, and high-fiber foods that are harder to digest. Dr. Tong provides detailed dietary guidance.
The gold standard is a gastric emptying study (scintigraphy) where you eat food containing a small amount of radioactive material, and imaging tracks how quickly it leaves your stomach over 4 hours. Upper endoscopy rules out mechanical obstruction first.
Yes. Diabetic gastroparesis occurs in about 20-50% of people with long-standing diabetes. High blood sugar damages the vagus nerve, which controls stomach muscle contractions. Better blood sugar control can improve gastroparesis symptoms.
Yes, gastroparesis evaluation and treatment are typically covered by insurance. Call our Flushing office at 718-886-9819 to verify your specific coverage and schedule an appointment.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Jing Tong for expert gastroparesis management.
