After 20 Years of Searching for Answers, Robert Found Relief From Gastroparesis

For more than two decades, Robert lived with debilitating nausea, vomiting and stomach pain that affected nearly every aspect of his life. After countless appointments, procedures and opinions from specialists across the country, he began to believe what he had heard so many times before: that his symptoms were simply something he would have to live with.

Everything changed when he met Naga Thatimatla, MD, FASMBS, FACS, a general surgeon at AdventHealth. By listening to Robert's concerns and helping uncover the cause of his symptoms, Dr. Thatimatla gave him something he hadn't felt in years: hope. Today, Robert is experiencing relief he never thought possible.

A Long Journey Without Answers

Robert lives in Florida with his wife of 46 years. Together, they've built a life centered on family, including their two children, their spouses and two beloved grandchildren.

His health challenges began around 2003 when he was diagnosed with diabetes and pancreatitis. Over time, he developed worsening symptoms that no one seemed able to explain.

"A few years later, I started having more frequent bad stomach pains, nausea and vomiting," Robert says. The symptoms became relentless. "Most days, the thought of eating or the smell of food would make me sick, oftentimes vomiting."

Doctors initially believed his symptoms were related to pancreatitis, but testing failed to provide clear answers. Determined to find relief, Robert sought care from numerous gastroenterologists and traveled to leading medical centers across the country.

Yet despite years of appointments and testing, Robert was still searching for an explanation.

"They too could not figure out what was going on, why I always felt nauseous."

Despite trying multiple treatments, including medications, pancreatic stenting, Botox injections and nerve block procedures, nothing provided lasting relief. "The doctors told me it was just something I had to live with."

When Every Day Becomes More Challenging

As his symptoms persisted, the condition took a growing toll on Robert's physical and emotional well-being. "Just getting through the day was a challenge," he says. "Getting up in the morning, feeling sick and knowing it was going to be another bad day."

The constant nausea and pain made participating in family activities difficult. Concentrating at work became increasingly challenging. Eventually, Robert says the condition contributed to depression and anxiety. "Mentally and physically, I was broken and defeated," he shares.

The impact was so significant that he retired early from his career as a computer analyst. For years, Robert lost hope that anyone would ever find the cause of his symptoms. "I heard that from so many doctors that I basically gave up believing that they would ever find out why I was having these symptoms."

Finally Feeling Heard

Everything changed when Robert's wife learned about AdventHealth's new hospital in Riverview and encouraged him to seek one more opinion.

He first met gastroenterologist Kalyani Meduri, MD, in October 2025. "She wants to review my 20-plus years of medical records," Robert remembers thinking after their first appointment.

Following a thorough review of his history, Dr. Meduri referred him to Dr. Thatimatla, a general surgeon with expertise in advanced treatments for gastroparesis. Robert met Dr. Thatimatla in January 2026. "Like Dr. Meduri, I felt that Dr. Thatimatla truly listened to me and that he understood the symptoms I was having and what may be causing my symptoms."

When asked if he felt heard during that first visit, Robert's answer is simple: "Absolutely."

Finally Getting a Diagnosis

Dr. Thatimatla recommended additional testing, including a gastric emptying study, esophageal manometry and endoscopy. The results revealed what Robert had been searching for all along: an answer. He was diagnosed with severe gastroparesis, a condition that prevents the stomach from emptying food normally.

"When he reviewed the results with me and explained that I have severe gastroparesis, that my stomach is not functioning to digest the food," Robert says, "that is when I felt confident that Dr. Thatimatla might be able to help me."

Dr. Thatimatla discussed Enterra Therapy, a treatment that uses a gastric electrical stimulation device to help reduce gastroparesis symptoms. "At first, I was optimistically skeptical," Robert says, "but I was willing to try the treatment, as I was out of options."

A Life-Changing Result

After completing the necessary testing, Robert underwent surgery to receive the implanted gastric stimulator. Going into the procedure, he felt a mixture of emotions, sharing that he was nervous about the surgery itself, but excited that it might help him find relief.

Just three months later, the results have exceeded his expectations. Robert estimates he has experienced approximately 90% relief from his symptoms. "Not feeling nauseous or vomiting on a daily basis," he says, has made all the difference.

He can now eat without constantly worrying about getting sick. He has more energy, a brighter outlook and the ability to enjoy everyday activities again. "I'm able to join my wife on longer walks with our dogs." More importantly, he says, "I actually enjoy everyday life now."

Feeling Alive Again

The improvement has been felt not only by Robert, but by those closest to him. "They are happier that I am feeling better," he says of his family. "I am now able to do more things with them."

Recently, he enjoyed a family trip to Busch Gardens, something that would have been difficult during the worst years of his illness.

When asked to describe the transformation in a single phrase, Robert didn't hesitate:

"I feel alive again!"

Encouraging Others Not to Give Up

Looking back, Robert is deeply grateful for the care he received from Dr. Thatimatla and the AdventHealth team. "Outstanding!" he says. "Dr. Thatimatla, the nurses and staff provided excellent care. I am deeply grateful to everyone involved with this journey."

Today, he wants others living with gastroparesis to know there may still be options available.

"Living with gastroparesis is different for everyone, but living with sickness and pain is not the only option." His advice for patients who feel discouraged is simple: "I would tell them that I understand how they might feel about getting another diagnosis from yet another gastro doctor, but that Dr. Thatimatla is different. He listens to what you are saying and thinks outside the box."

After more than 20 years of searching for answers, Robert finally found a treatment that helped him reclaim his life, and a care team that never stopped looking for solutions.

We’re Here for Your Whole Health

When digestive symptoms begin to affect your quality of life, you deserve a teamthat takes the time tolisten and explore every option. At AdventHealth,our digestive health experts provide personalized care for awide range of gastrointestinal conditions, helping patients find answers, relief and renewed hope. Learn more about our surgical care and request an appointment today.