Colonoscopy prep tips

First, read all the preparation instructions including any specific instructions from your health care provider.

Now that you have read all of your instructions, we have some general guidance for starting your preparation:

• Create meal plan based on your preferences that includes foods that are easier to pass and less likely to cause constipation.
• Make your shopping list. Check it twice and check out our health and wellness nutrition page for help.
• Purchase the groceries you need for your meal plan.
• Buy your colonoscopy preparation products.
• Arrange a driver for your procedure.
• Stop all medications containing aspirin and ibuprofen.

Getting Closer.

Here are few things to do and things to remember beginning five days before your appointment:

• Acetaminophen is on the OK list for use.
• Plan your menu for the next five days and begin preparing items in advance.
• Stop supplements: Herbal, vitamins, fish oil, and oral iron supplements.

What foods are allowed five days before my procedure?

Here is a brief list of allowed foods:

• White bread, pasta and noodles, white rice, potatoes without skin
• Canned or well-cooked vegetables without seeds or skin
• Canned fruit or fresh fruit without skin or membranes
• Tender meat, chicken or fish

What foods should I avoid five days before my procedure?

Here is a brief list of foods to avoid:

• Any food containing seeds, nuts or popcorn
• Raw vegetables with a skin, seeds, corn, broccoli, cabbage, dried beans or peas
• Whole grain bread or pasta, brown or wild rice, cereal such as oatmeal, shredded wheat and granola
• Fruit with skins
• Tough meat with gristle
• Fatty foods

Stay hydrated. Drink 8oz of water per hour that you are awake.

Here are some other important tips for two days before your appointment:

• Confirm that you have a driver who will come with you to the appointment. (Important detail: your driver must be 18 or older.)
• Complete all medical forms.
• List all medications you are on.
• Find insurance cards.
• Prepare first and last names with address of all doctors you want to receive a copy of your procedure.
• Determine what you will be wearing (comfortable, loose fitting clothing, tennis or flat shoes).
• Do not wear jewelry, watches or bring valuables.

No solid food or alcohol.

Here are some other important tips for one days before your appointment:

• Make sure you take the prescribed medications one hour prior to drinking prep solutions so they can absorb Bowel Preparation.
• Follow your bowel prep instructions your doctor prescribed.

Clear liquids you can consume (no red or purple flavors/colors):

• Juice: apple, white grape
• Drinks that replace electrolytes
• Soda: ginger ale, orange, diet cola
• Coffee or tea (no cream)
• Clear soup, beef broth, chicken broth, bone broth, bouillon
• Hydrate Medications

Liquids you must avoid:

• Milk, shakes, smoothies, dairy products
• Juices: orange, grapefruit, prune (all red or purple juices
• Any liquids you cannot see through

You got this!

Here are some really important tips:

• If you followed all the instructions, your stool will be a clear or yellow liquid. If it is, then you are ready for your colonoscopy.
• No food or liquid three hours before your scheduled procedure.
• No alcohol, marijuana, or any other substance that could impair your thought process.
• Do not drink alcohol, drive a car, or sign any legal documents until the day after your procedure.
• Stop everything by mouth, including all liquids, smoking and chewing gum.