Gastroparesis / Delayed Gastric Emptying / Slowed Digestion / Stomach Paralysis / Feeling of Food Sitting
Users on Reddit report a variety of experiences related to delayed gastric emptying, often described as gastroparesis, slowed digestion, stomach paralysis, or a persistent feeling of food sitting in their stomach while on GLP-1 medications. These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe issues requiring medical attention.
Experiences with Gastroparesis / Delayed Gastric Emptying:
The feeling of food sitting is a common complaint. A user described it as "this really gross feeling of food sitting in my stomach even though I haven’t eaten. "[7] Another said, "Ive been told it slows your digestion and it honestly feel like it just sits there in your throat, just at the bottom. To me it feels like trying to overfill a cup, just overflows. That uncomfortable overflowing feeling can last quite a while. "[10, 11]
Some users with pre-existing GI issues are wary of GLP-1s due to the risk of gastroparesis. One user with dysautonomia and existing gut problems said, "I don’t need to take anything to stop me up more or trigger gastrpareisis. "[2] Another user with gastroparesis mentioned, "When I had the gastric emptying study, at the 4 hour mark, I still had 75% of the food present. "[3]
A user on semaglutide reported, "I couldn’t handle how gross it made me feel (I’d wake up in the morning still full from lunch the day before). It felt like my digestion came to a standstill and honestly disgusted me. "[14]
One user mentioned developing gastroparesis and occasional bowel obstruction, with six out of roughly 60 patients they prescribed GLP-1s to being hospitalized for complications. [22]
A user described feeling like there was "festering food in my gut" and could only tolerate soft foods, with meat causing major difficulties. [12]
Delayed gastric emptying can lead to other complications. One comment described a patient who, due to "delayed gastric emptying + snoring = microaspiration --> PNA --> sepsis --> ICU + almost ended up intubated". [6] Another mentioned a patient aspirating during intubation due to delayed emptying despite NPO compliance. [21]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
Avoiding Certain Foods: Users recommend avoiding heavy, fatty, or high-carb foods. "When they say don’t eat heavy carbs, it’s not a joke. Stay away, far away. I was miserable for almost a week and a half because I messed up and are pasta 3 days in a row. "[16] One user noted that meat caused major difficulties. [12] Another mentioned, "Peanut butter is just a hard no... I tried a few times with a peanut butter sandwich and it took 4-6 hours for it to even start showing up on my meter and then I spent another 4 or 5 hours fighting to get it back down. "[17]
Eating Slowly and Mindfully: "I feel a little gaggy the couple days after I take my dose. Food noise is completely gone, and my body actually tells me when it’s done eating! "[5]
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is frequently recommended. "What I have really noticed though is that when I drink a ton of water (around 135 ounces), I don’t have a lot of side effects. "[7]
Soft Foods: One user found they could "only tolerate 'old people' soft food. "[12]
Medications/Supplements:
Pepto-Bismol: "My life-saving medicine is Pepto-Bismol cherry chewables. Like a godsend stg. "[16]
Gas-X, Miralax, Fiber: One user tried these for abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea, but still ended up in the ER. [8]
Gaviscon, Fiber, Antihistamine: A user reported needing these regularly. [12]
Dosage Adjustments:
Starting with a very low dose and titrating slowly is advised. "I started by VERY small doses so I could monitor for side effects and using that method I have had ZERO issues. "[28] Another user with gastroparesis started at "half the lowest dose and very very slowly increased it. By doing it that way I never had symptoms. "[29]
Lifestyle Adjustments:
One user mentioned their prescribing physician advised to "keep the carbs and fats low, stay very well hydrated, and avoid alcohol entirely. "[13]
Stopping the Medication: In severe cases, discontinuing the medication is necessary. The healthcare professional caring for gastroparesis patients tells people to quit their GLP-1s. [1] One user stopped Zepbound after a bad flare-up of gastroparesis. [3]
It's important to note that experiences vary widely. Some users with pre-existing gastroparesis have successfully used GLP-1s by starting with very low doses and increasing slowly. [29] However, others with existing GI issues have had their symptoms exacerbated.
Experiences with Gastroparesis / Delayed Gastric Emptying:
- Some users explicitly mention gastroparesis or delayed gastric emptying as a side effect.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Dietary Adjustments:
- Portion Control/Eating Less: Several users emphasize the importance of not overeating.
It's important to note that experiences vary widely. Some users with pre-existing gastroparesis have successfully used GLP-1s by starting with very low doses and increasing slowly. [29] However, others with existing GI issues have had their symptoms exacerbated.