Chronic Nausea After Eating?
Learn About Gastroparesis Treatment Options.

Understanding Gastroparesis & When to Consider Advanced Treatment

Gastroparesis is a chronic condition where the stomach empties more slowly than normal, causing symptoms such as persistent nausea, vomiting, early fullness, bloating, and unintentional weight loss. These symptoms can disrupt daily life and make it difficult to maintain good nutrition.

Common causes include diabetes, post-surgical nerve injury, and idiopathic (unknown) origins. Most patients begin with diet modifications and medications, but when symptoms remain severe, it may be time to explore additional treatment options.

Ramona Ilie, MD is the only surgeon in Pinellas County performing Gastric Pacer Implants (gastric electrical stimulation) which provides advanced treatment for patients whose gastroparesis symptoms have not improved.

Contact us to find out if you are a candidate: (727) 893-6840

Chronic Nausea May be Gatroparesis

 

For an overview of symptoms and causes,
read Dr. Ilie’s article on gastroparesis
treatment and management.

 

Gastric Pacer Implant: An Advanced Treatment Option

For patients whose symptoms persist, the gastric pacer implant, also known as Enterra Therapy, may offer relief. This FDA-approved treatment delivers mild electrical pulses to the stomach muscles through a small device placed beneath the skin of the abdomen. These gentle pulses help regulate stomach contractions and reduce chronic nausea and vomiting.

A confirmed diagnosis of gastroparesis and completion of medical management are required before referral for surgical evaluation.

A patient suffering with gastroparesis discusses a treatment plan with her primary care provider

Key Benefits:

  • Reduces chronic nausea and vomiting
  • Restores normal eating patterns and nutrition intake
  • Fewer hospital visits for severe symptom flare-ups
  • Improves energy, comfort, and overall quality of life

Treatment Features:

  • Minimally invasive outpatient procedure
  • Most patients return home within 24 hours
  • Device settings can be adjusted without additional surgery
  • Procedure performed at two convenient St. Petersburg locations

Download the Gastric Pacer Implant Brochure

Meet Dr. Ramona Ilie. Pinellas County’s Gastric Pacer Implant Specialist

Ramona Ilie, MD is a board-certified general surgeon with advanced fellowship training in minimally invasive surgery. She specializes in the treatment of complex abdominal conditions, including gastroparesis. She is the only surgeon in Pinellas County offering the gastric pacer implant, and one of the few in the Tampa Bay region trained in this advanced technique.

Patients and referring providers trust Dr. Ilie for her technical expertise, collaborative approach, and deep commitment to improving the lives of individuals living with severe gastroparesis.

If you’re living with chronic nausea, ask your primary care provider or gastroenterologist whether evaluation for gastroparesis may be appropriate.

Skip to content