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Gastroparesis (Delayed Gastric Emptying) Discharge Instructions


About this topic


Gastroparesis is also called delayed gastric emptying. It happens when food does not move through the body fast enough. Then, it takes too long to empty from the stomach. Gastroparesis makes you feel full too soon after you start eating. It may also cause an upset stomach and throwing up. ‚  
Some people with high blood sugar may have this problem. For these people, it may not go away. It can also happen to people who do not have high blood sugar. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Drink 8 to 10 glasses of liquid each day. Ask your doctor about using nutritional supplements.
  • Walk or sit after meals rather than lying down.
  • If you have high blood sugar, keep it under control.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help empty the stomach
  • Prevent upset stomach and throwing up

Will physical activity be limited?


Talk with your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. Taking a walk after you eat may help. ‚  

What changes to diet are needed?


  • Eat 6 small meals during the day instead of 3 big meals.
  • Eat more low-fat foods. Limit fried foods and those that are high in fat.
  • Avoid foods that have lots of fiber like raw fruits and vegetables.
  • Foods with fiber should be cooked until soft.

What problems could happen?


  • Not enough fluid in your body
  • Electrolyte imbalance
  • Problems with the esophagus
  • Lack of good nutrition
  • Worsening of low blood sugar
  • Masses that prevent food from passing into the bowels

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Keep blood sugar under control.
  • Keep your body and mind healthy. Exercise often and eat healthy.
  • Learn to manage stress. Try reflection, deep breathing, and muscle relaxation. Things like yoga and tai chi are also good.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Upset stomach and throwing up that does not get better
  • Belly pain
  • Problems eating
  • Losing weight

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or after eating.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have an upset stomach and throwing up that does not get better.

Where can I learn more?


American College of Gastroenterology ‚  
http://patients.gi.org/topics/gastroparesis/ ‚  
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚  
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gastroparesis/index.aspx ‚  
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚  
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/1221/viewAbstract ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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