Your Trusted Team of
Gastroenterologists

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About Monmouth Gastroenterology

Monmouth Gastroenterology is a premier gastroenterology group with eight physicians, and two nurse practitioners working alongside our staff to offer our patients the highest care possible.

We combine state-of-the-art medicine with cutting-edge technology (typically seen at elite hospitals). We provide some of the highest-level care for gastrointestinal, liver disease and colorectal cancer prevention, detection and screening in the Monmouth & Ocean County area. At the same time, we stay committed to providing professional, personal and compassionate care while obtaining complete patient satisfaction and comfort during the patient’s visit with Monmouth Gastroenterology Associates.

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Meet Our Providers

Our physicians are on staff at a variety of hospitals including Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, NJ, and Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, NJ. We work at a state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center that provides superb care for our patients.

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Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is now the gold standard used to detect or prevent individuals from getting colon cancer. Adults starting at age 45 years are strongly recommended to have a colonoscopy or some other test to screen for colon cancer.

Capsule Endoscopy

During the procedure, a patient swallows a vitamin-sized pill with a camera inside (pill camera). Transported smoothly and painlessly through the GI tract by the body’s own natural peristalsis, the video pill capsule transmits images of different parts of your intestine, such as the small intestine and the esophagus.

ERCP

An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, more commonly known as ERCP, is an endoscopic procedure that is also combined with X-rays. ERCP is very much like a typical upper GI endoscopy; however, your gastroenterologist will inject a dye during the procedure, which highlights problems in certain digestive organs through X-ray technology.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

A sigmoidoscopy is an internal exam of the lower part of the large intestine (colon) using a short, thin, flexible, lighted tube with a camera at the tip. This procedure helps determine the cause of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, chronic diarrhea, and other intestinal problems.

Hemorrhoid Treatments

Two of the most common treatments for hemorrhoid removal are hemorrhoid banding, which cuts off blood flow to the hemorrhoid, and infrared coagulation (IRC) therapy, which uses infrared light to shrink and shrivel hemorrhoids. The treatment method depends highly upon whether the hemorrhoids are external (around the anus) or internal (in the rectum).

Upper Endoscopy

An endoscopy is a very common and safe procedure that is used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine, known as the duodenum, to get a closer look at what may be causing symptoms.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease where a patient’s immune system abnormally responds to the ingestion of gluten. It is estimated that 1 in 100 people worldwide is affected by celiac disease. However, up to 2.5 million people in the United States may have celiac disease and not know it, as the symptoms range from mild to severe.

Constipation

Constipation is defined as having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week. With constipation, stools are usually hard, dry, small in size, and difficult to eliminate. Some people who are constipated find it painful to have a bowel movement and often experience straining, bloating, and the sensation of a full bowel.

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious form of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) which is common. GER occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens spontaneously, for varying periods of time, or does not close properly, and stomach contents rise up into the esophagus.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal canal. This common problem can be painful and can be caused by too much pressure on the veins in the pelvic rectal area. Normally, tissue inside the anus fills with blood to help control bowel movements, but if you strain or sit on the toilet a long time to move stool, the increased pressure causes the veins in this tissue to swell and stretch.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease + Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses a set of gastrointestinal diseases where parts of the digestive tract are chronically inflamed by a dysfunctional interaction immune system. Hereditary factors and an abnormal interaction between microorganisms and the immune system are felt to play a role.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of Americans have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is a functional GI disorder that refers to a group of symptoms that affect the digestive tract, often resulting in abdominal pain, bloating, or cramping. However, some people with IBS have no symptoms at all.

Diet & Nutrition

Nutrition plays a paramount role in gastroenterology as it directly influences the health and functioning of the digestive system. We have nutritional resources available to help understand the role adequate nutrition plays in preventing and managing various digestive disorders.

Interstim Bowel Control Therapy

An implant-based stimulation therapy for those suffering from incontinence. Bowel control problems are extremely common, but they are not normal. If you suffer from bowel control issues, you know how much they can interrupt your life. It’s time to speak up and get back to living your life.

Infusion Therapy

Infusion Therapy is a medication used to treat inflammatory bowel disease(IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC). It is not a first-line treatment method for IBD but instead a medication given to patients who haven’t responded to more common IBD treatments. Patients require infusions approximately three to six times a year, depending on the type of medication. Infusion Therapy works well at arresting symptoms and reducing disease severity, sometimes putting IBD into remission.

Fibroscan

We offer FibroScan in our office, a non-invasive diagnostic device designed to measure the elasticity of liver tissue and detect fibrosis. A fibroscan allows us the ability to provide a non-surgical alternative to a traditional liver biopsy. We are able to present the results to patients in real-time and make treatment plan recommendations

What Our Patients Say About Us

Dr. Kaswala was great. Very knowledgeable, patient, and understanding. Highly recommend.

Jonathon T.

Dr. Baig is an outstanding gastrointestinal doctor. He was a strong resource for for guidance and medical care through an extremely serious health issue. As rarely found, he is personable and compassionate to his patients. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

Bianca M.

Dr. Belitsis is an exceptional physician.-- a consummate professional. He is candid and frank in doctor/ patient discussions. He is an excellent communicator in presenting his evaluation of the patient. Dr. Belitsis always provides sufficient time to review and discuss issues.

John R.

Dr. Fiest is a very friendly, professional, and caring doctor. My wife and I have been with him for many years, and we are very pleased to have Dr. Fiest as our gastroenterologist. He is an exceptionally knowledgeable, experienced physician in his field. His staff are friendly and helpful to us.

William A.

Dr. Merikhi is amazing. Thorough, relaxed, answers questions, discusses status thoroughly. She is straightforward and clear. And even though the office was crowded all the staff were smiling and upbeat. Not easy to achieve in these times.

Daniel H.

Dr. Uppal is a wonderful doctor who listened to me, explained my condition & his treatment in a clear easy to understand way. Scheduling was easy & efficient. There was no waiting, I was taken promptly & on time. I would highly recommend him.

Julieann D.

Dr. Shah and her staff are amazing! She really helped me changed my lifestyle. I eat better, drink water, and exercise daily for the first in my life. I lost almost 40lbs after being treated by her, and I feel great! I highly recommend seeing her if you need help from a gastro specialist !

Rae H.

Dr. Kruger is great ! He is extremely kind, knowledgeable and professional. I recommend him to anyone looking for a Gastroenterologist! The office runs like a well oiled machine. Great experience!

Kara L.

Excellent experience. My normal doctor was out, so I saw Dr. Kaswala. He was easy to deal with and very thorough. I would recommend him and since this is my third in this practice (first retired), I'd recommend this office to anyone.

Mike S.

Dr Nadeem Baig is very caring and attentive. He is very thorough with his exams and make sure you understand everything. If you have any doubts, he will clarify it. His office staff are great. I highly recommend Dr. Baig as your gastroenterologist!

Margaret Y.

Dr. Belitsis is simply the best! He really takes the time to listen. I never leave his office feeling brushed off like I have with other Drs in the past. All of the staff is amazing and the office is run extremely efficiently from start to finish.

Bethany T.

Dr. Fiest is one of the most caring and kind doctors I've ever known. I would give my highest recommendation to anyone looking for an outstanding gastroenterologist.

Barbara S.

Dr. Laleh Merikhi is wonderful. She takes the time to listen!! She has treated me with such care and concern! She put my apprehension and fears to rest during a difficult time. I have the highest regard for her!! I have complete trust in her ability. In addition, she is a kind and understanding person.

Joyce D.

My Experience with Dr Uppal has been excellent. He takes his time to explain everything and asks what I feel. I highly recommend him and there group for all there services .

Donald A.

Everything went great. Dr Shah explained everything and scheduled two tests for me which went smoothly. My friend saw Dr Shah, and told me what a great Dr she is.

Cathie H.

Blogs

Hormones

How IBS Differs for Women

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) tends to affect women more frequently than men, and hormones may play a significant role in this disparity.

August 7, 2025

Colonoscopy

How Long Does it Take to Recover From a Colonoscopy?

After a colonoscopy, patients are typically monitored in a recovery area until the effects of the sedative or anesthesia begin to wear off.

July 24, 2025

Gut-Brain Connection

Can IBS Trigger a Migraine?

Both conditions appear to be influenced by heightened immune responses and the release of pro-inflammatory substances, further connecting their underlying mechanisms.

July 17, 2025

Bloating

Will a Gut Cleanse Help With Bloating?

A gut cleanse is often marketed as a solution for bloating, promising to eliminate toxins and reset the digestive system.

July 10, 2025

View All Blogs

Your Trusted Team of
Gastroenterologists

About Monmouth Gastroenterology

Monmouth Gastroenterology is a premier gastroenterology group with eight physicians, and two nurse practitioners working alongside our staff to offer our patients the highest care possible.