Gastroenterology

Colonoscopy Preparation

In an effort to improve the overall quality and experience of your colonoscopy, we are providing you with these guidelines to help you prepare for the procedure.

• Plan your prep – Be sure to clear your schedule the evening before, and the day of, your scheduled colonoscopy. Also, arrange for someone to go with you if possible.
• Adjust your diet – You can naturally help the cleansing process by eating foods that are low in fiber and easy to digest. Examples include eggs, lean meat (i.e. chicken or fish), fruits without skin or seeds, cooked vegetables without skin, and white bread, pasta, or rice. Foods to avoid are fatty foods, tough meat, whole grains, raw vegetables, corn, broccoli, cabbage, beans, peas, seeds, nuts, or popcorn.
• Fast the day before – The day before your scheduled colonoscopy you can not eat anything solid. Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking lots of clear liquids such as sports drinks or clear juices (i.e. apple or white grape). Soda is ok and so are coffee and tea as long as it’s without cream. You can have popsicles as long as they’re not colored (i.e. red, blue, or purple) as the dyes can discolor the lining of the colon and make it difficult for your provider to see. Avoid drinking alcohol. Lastly, you can not have anything to eat or drink two hours before the procedure.
• The final cleanse – The evening before your scheduled colonoscopy, you’ll need to cleanse your colon of any remaining waste. To do this, your provider will prescribe a strong laxative. Make sure to take it as directed and call your provider’s office if you have any questions before you take it. The laxative may be hard to swallow because of its bitter taste. Try mixing it with a flavored sports drink, chilling it, using a straw, and chasing it with a bite of lemon or lime or a piece of hard candy to kill the taste. Once you’ve taken the laxative, your intestines will begin pushing out any remaining waste very quickly. You’ll be spending a lot of time in the bathroom and may want to have moist wipes as well as creams or lotions on hand.

Be sure to tell your provider about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you’re taking as well as any vitamins or supplements as it may be necessary for you to temporarily discontinue taking them until after the procedure.

• Colon Cancer Screening
• Colonoscopy / Endoscopy
• Crohn’s Disease & Ulcerative Colitis
• Digestive Disorders
• Heartburn / GERD
• Liver, Pancreas, & Bile Duct Disorders

Patients may choose to seek care on their own or they may be referred by their primary care provider or other specialist. It is important to consider insurance requirements, such as a referral, before consulting with a specialist.