The FAQs are for reference only and are not intended to substitute for advice given by your physician, pharmacist or other licensed healthcare professional. If you have questions about your procedure, ask your physician.
While preparing for a colonoscopy all solids must be emptied from your gastrointestinal tract, by following a clear liquid diet the day before your procedure (in some rare cases 2-3 days before the procedure). A clear liquid consists of drinks that you can "see through".
Studies have shown that if the some of the laxative is taken 6 hours before the procedure, it leads to a cleaner colon. This minimizes your chances of having to reschedule your procedure or repeat your procedure sooner than the recommended guidelines (typically every 5-10 years)
Please cut down on heavy solid foods TWO (2) days before the procedure and start introducing lighter meals to your diet. Following these guidelines is not required, but they will make it easier to empty your bowel before the procedure.
RECOMMENDED FOODS: The following food suggestions are a good part of your diet two days before your procedure:
FOODS NOT RECOMMENDED: The following foods are not recommended because they are high in fiber:
Please resist the temptation to eat a heavy dinner two days before your procedure, even though you will not be eating any solid foods the following day.
Our first concern is your health and safety. You will be given sedatives to help you relax during your colonoscopy, and these medications affect your body's ability to hold food and liquid in your stomach. If you eat or drink several hours before (actual time varies by doctor) your colonoscopy, there is a risk that food or liquid will travel up into your esophagus, where you could breathe it into your lungs. Your procedure will be re-scheduled, if you do not follow the instructions provided by your doctor
Please follow all instructions and make every effort to drink all of the solution. The height and weight of a patient does not determine the amount of solution needed to purge your colon. Remember, we are trying to clean out your entire digestive tract. If your colon is not clean, the physician cannot do a thorough exam. You may have to reschedule your test for another day
Yes. However, fiber can clog the colonoscope and they do not pass through your digestive system easily. Presence of any solids in your colon will make it difficult to for your physician to view and remove polyps that maybe present. Please avoid fiber rich foods and stop taking fiber supplements two days before your procedure.
Alcohol is not allowed as part of the liquid diet.
The liquid amount is not weight dependent. It is important to finish the prep for a successful colonoscopy.
The prep medications provided by the Your Patient Advisor are the preferred medications of your doctor, if you have concerns about this prep you will need to contact your doctor's office.
Please follow all instructions and make every effort to drink all of the solution. The height and weight of a patient does not determine the amount of solution needed to purge your colon. Remember, we are trying to clean out your entire digestive tract. If your colon is not clean, the physician cannot do a thorough exam. You may have to reschedule your test for another day
Colors with heavy dyes can limit the ability for the gastroenterologist to get a clear picture of the inside of the colon. Typically, blue, red, purple, and orange colors are not allowed. Please refer to your directions for specific color restrictions.
Typically, soda and carbonated beverages are approved for a liquid diet. Please refer to your specific instructions for further information as some colors may be restricted.
To ensure a successful prep, it is very important to follow the directions provided with your prep medications.
If you have not had loose bowel movements and a clear stool by the morning of your procedure you will need to call your doctor for further instructions.
The actual procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. Registration, pre-operative and post-operative care will keep you in the facility for approximately 2 hours. Please watch a video from American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy for an overview of what you can expect during a colonoscopy procedure.
You need to tell your doctor about all medical conditions and any drugs, vitamins or nutritional supplements that you take regularly. If you are taking prescription blood thinners (Coumadin, Warfarin, Pradaxa, Plavix), please talk to your prescribing doctor at least 7 days before your procedure. Please continue all medications unless otherwise instructed by the doctor.
Please drink liquids with sugar the day before your procedure and do not stick to sugar-free drinks. You must consume 150-200 calories of carbs when you are on a liquid diet to maintain your blood sugar. Please refer to the liquid diet recommendations provided by American Diabetic Association for details. Please do not eat any solid foods during your preparation, your procedure my need to be re-scheduled otherwise.
If you develop symptoms of nausea or vomiting, stop the prep for a few minutes, then resume the process. Go slower and drink one 8 oz. glass every 30 minutes instead of 15 minutes. If you were not able to complete the prep, please call the Your Patient Advisor at (800) 349 0285
While preparing for a colonoscopy all solids must be emptied from your gastrointestinal tract, by following a clear liquid diet the day before your procedure (in some rare cases 2-3 days before the procedure). A clear liquid consists of drinks that you can "see through".
Please note that some doctors may allow full liquids, refer to your instructions for a list of liquids you can drink the day before the procedure
Typically, soda and carbonated beverages are approved for a liquid diet. Please refer to your specific instructions for further information as some colors may be restricted.
To ensure a successful prep, it is very important to follow the directions provided with your prep medications.
The laxatives should take effect within three hours. However, in some cases, it may not take effect until all the laxatives are taken. Please continue to finish your preparation as per the instructions provided, even if you do not have any bowel movement.
To ensure a most successful prep it can be helpful to limit hard to digest foods a few days prior to the procedure. These foods may include: raw vegetables, red meat, dairy, foods high in fiber, nuts and seeds.
If you have a history of constipation, cirrhosis, stroke, dementia, heart disease or kidney disease, please make sure and inform your Gastroenterologist before your procedure.