How to Prepare for A Colonoscopy at Our Office

When you get to a certain age, the topic of colonoscopy prep becomes something that people start discussing, either to warn you or commiserate with you.

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but in most cases, it’s completely preventable thanks to routine colonoscopies. Americans age 45 years and older should receive routine screenings. We’re here to help answer your questions!

While it’s inconvenient to get ready for a colonoscopy, proper prep is well worth it so our trained specialists can more easily spot issues while they are treatable and before they have spread to other areas of the body.

Preparing for a colonoscopy

Emptying the colon is key for a successful procedure. If it’s done improperly, polyps and lesions may be missed, or the whole process may need to be rescheduled. Following prep protocol beforehand is crucial to a successful screening.

Outlined below, you will find some tips to consider and prepare for with our endoscopy center’s standard colonoscopy procedure.

Know before you go…Bring a friend!

You must bring a driver to take you home after the procedure, and they must remain on the premises of our center at all times. This makes them available for questions and allows our doctor to meet with them in the recovery room afterwards to explain results. All patients and their guest driver should plan to stay with us for around two hours.

One week before your procedure

Begin a low-fiber diet. Do not eat nuts, seeds, popcorn or corn. Discontinue fiber supplements including Metamucil, Citrucel, Benefiber, etc. Additionally, stop taking iron supplements.

The day before your procedure

Only eat clear liquids for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Water can get boring quickly, so make sure to stock up on a variety of liquids.

“Clear liquids” acceptable for consumption include:

• Soft Drinks (orange, lemon-lime, ginger ale)
• Gatorade and Kool-Aid
• Strained fruit juices WITHOUT PULP (apple, white grape, lemonade)
• Water, tea, and coffee (Note: No milk products can be added, including non-dairy creamer)
• Clear broth or bouillon
• Hard candies
• Jell-O and Popsicles (avoid red and purple flavors)

In addition to the “clear liquid” diet, a laxative procedure must be done the day before the exam. Please review the guidelines on this page for full information, which is based on the time of day of the procedure. It will require a trip to the store to pick up items.

During the laxative portion, make sure to wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing and stay near the bathroom so you are prepared when the urge to go hits.

The day of your procedure

Same as the previous day, clear liquid foods only. Do not eat or drink anything five hours before the procedure.

After your procedure

After the procedure, you may experience a dry mouth or feel drowsy from the sedatives. Additionally, you may feel gassy due to the air that is put into the digestive tract during the endoscopic procedure. We recommend heading home, having a light meal, and taking a nap.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy at Gastrointestinal Specialists, PC & Endoscopy Center in Troy, Michigan

The best decision you can make is to educate yourself and your family about the importance of a colonoscopy. It truly may save your life! Our surgery centers and physicians are ready to serve you in-person with compassionate, quality care. Call us today at (248) 273-9930 or request an appointment online for a colonoscopy.