Dr. Larry Wickless, DO

Dr. Larry Wickless, DO is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Bradenton, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring patients receive the highest quality and legally compliant care. Your gastroenterologist is your primary partner in lifelong digestive health, creating personalized plans for prevention, coordinating crucial screenings, and managing the wellness of your entire digestive system—from esophagus to liver—to keep you feeling your best for years to come. He serves all ages and patients should call (941) 708-8199 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Larry Wickless, DO is a gastroenterologist in Bradenton, FL with over 55 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from A. T. Still University Kirksville College Of Osteopathic Medicine in 1967, and his extensive career in Gastroenterology has provided him with a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Wickless is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Larry Wickless is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Larry Wickless can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Larry Wickless provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Hepatitis C: Early diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis C are crucial preventive measures to protect your liver from cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other severe health problems.
• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: If you have a family history of FAP, proactive monitoring and colonoscopies are vital to detect and remove precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer, thus preventing colorectal cancer.
• Hiatal Hernia: Regular check-ups with your doctor, especially if you have symptoms like heartburn or chest pain, are crucial for early detection and management of a hiatal hernia.
• Viral Hepatitis: Regular check-ups and proactive monitoring for viral hepatitis, especially if you have risk factors, can help ensure early intervention and better long-term outcomes for your liver and overall health.
• Benign Neoplasm of the Digestive System: Regular check-ups and screenings can help detect benign growths in your digestive system early, allowing for timely management and reducing the risk of future issues.
• Esophagitis: Esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus, can be prevented by managing risk factors like acid reflux and making lifestyle changes to protect your digestive health.
• Gallstones: Managing your cholesterol and weight can help prevent gallstone formation, thus protecting your gallbladder and liver from potential damage.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD's persistent acid reflux can lead to serious complications if left untreated; preventive measures are key to maintaining a healthy esophagus and stomach.
• Abdominal Pain: Understanding the causes of your abdominal pain is key to preventing more severe problems, often through lifestyle changes or early treatment.
• Dysphagia: Preventing serious complications from dysphagia begins with recognizing the symptoms and seeking medical attention promptly. This proactive approach protects the health of your entire digestive system.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Preventing the progression of reflux esophagitis to more serious conditions, like esophageal cancer, is possible with proactive management, including lifestyle adjustments and medical attention when needed.
• Constipation: Chronic constipation can strain your digestive system, so early detection and management are crucial for long-term gut health.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Larry Wickless offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Colon Cancer Screening: Take charge of your gut health with a colon cancer screening: it's a proactive step to detect and prevent this serious disease.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Invest in your long-term well-being: a colorectal cancer screening is a simple yet powerful step in preventing and catching this disease early.
• Liver Function Test: Early detection is vital for liver health. A liver function test provides valuable insights into your liver's function, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment of potential issues.
• pH Probe: This simple test involves a small sensor that monitors stomach acid, providing valuable information for preventing or managing conditions affecting your esophagus and stomach.
• Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a proactive step to detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for timely intervention and preventing serious health problems.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing offers a non-invasive way to assess your stomach acid levels, contributing to the early detection and effective management of acid reflux and related complications.
• Esophageal Manometry: Protecting your digestive system starts with proactive screenings. Esophageal manometry helps pinpoint any problems with your esophagus's ability to move food, enabling timely interventions.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Gastroenterology in Florida.

Dr. Larry Wickless is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By adhering to a proactive screening plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing serious liver complications from Hepatitis C, fostering a sense of peace and control over their health.
• A family, aware of their familial risk for FAP, diligently followed a proactive screening plan, allowing for early detection and removal of precancerous polyps, significantly reducing their risk of colorectal cancer. This proactive approach brought peace of mind and empowered them to confidently manage their health.
• By scheduling regular checkups and addressing symptoms like heartburn, a patient proactively managed potential hiatal hernia issues, reducing the risk of future complications and gaining peace of mind.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Gastrointestinal care with Dr. Larry Wickless:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor who is an expert in the health of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They diagnose and treat digestive conditions and perform important preventive screenings, such as colonoscopies.

When should I get my first screening colonoscopy?

For average-risk individuals, routine screening colonoscopies are now recommended to begin at age 45. However, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Wickless will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is 'fatty liver disease' and is it serious?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition often linked to metabolic health issues like obesity and diabetes. Fortunately, in its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. However, managing NAFLD is important to prevent potential progression to more serious liver damage like cirrhosis.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

A capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine your small intestine, an area difficult to visualize with traditional scopes. You simply swallow a small, pill-sized camera that takes thousands of pictures as it travels through your digestive tract.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

Many patients have concerns about colonoscopy prep, but modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than in the past. A clean colon is essential for a thorough examination, and the one-day prep is a small price to pay for years of peace of mind.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy (EGD)?

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to help prevent colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine to investigate issues like heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the lining of the small intestine. It's different from a simple gluten sensitivity, as it requires a formal diagnosis by a gastroenterologist before starting a gluten-free diet.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

Yes, most hemorrhoids can be effectively managed with lifestyle and diet changes. For persistent internal hemorrhoids, Dr. Wickless can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

250 2nd St E Ste 4G
Bradenton FL 34208
Phone: (941) 708-8199

Dr. Larry Wickless, DO is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1033189071

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Gastroenterology like Dr. Larry Wickless are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your gastroenterology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.