PROCEDURE PREP INSTRUCTIONS

We understand that preparing for a procedure can be nerve-wracking, but rest assured, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Before your appointment, please follow these prep instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome and your comfort during the procedure. We recommend refraining from eating or drinking for the specified period indicted in the directions to allow for clear imaging and accurate results. We understand that this may be challenging, but it’s an essential part of ensuring the success of your procedure. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to our compassionate team. Your well-being is our priority, and we’re committed to making this experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. Together, we’ll navigate through this process with care and understanding.

Before Your Procedure

NOTE: These are general instructions, please refer to the specific prep assigned for your procedure.

Remember

  • The day of your procedure we ask that you remain “NPO” nothing by mouth so that your procedure can be performed safely. It is ok take your morning medications with a sip of water.
  • Those patients taking weight loss medications containing Phentermine® and/or GLPs will need to be off for 7 days prior to your procedure.
  • Those patients taking blood thinners such as ASA®, Plavix®, Eliquis®, Pradaxa®, Xarelto®, Coumadin®, Effient®, Brilinta®, Pletal®, Lovenox®, etc will often need to be stopped 3-5 days prior to your procedure. Details will need to be discussed prior to being scheduled.
  • Those patients taking Diabetic medications consisting of Insulin will need to adjust the dose the day before and day of your procedure. Oral medications such as Merformin®, Janumet® and Glucophage® should NOT be taken the morning of your procedure. Details will need to be discussed prior to being scheduled.
  • Blood pressure medications and other routine medications not listed above should be taken as scheduled the day before and day of your procedure (with a sip of water).
  • Those patient with AICDs (automatic implantable, cardioverter-defibrillator) will need to be discussed prior to being scheduled.

Arrange Transportation

ARRANGE for a friend or family member to drive you home after the colonoscopy,
as you will still be drowsy from sedation and it is unsafe to drive.

  • You must have an adult accompany you home the day of your procedure, even if you take a cab. The medical procedure staff must be able to contact whoever will accompany you. If this person cannot be confirmed prior to the procedure, your procedure will be rescheduled for your safety.
  • You should not drive a car, operate machinery, or make any legal decisions until the day after your procedure.

What You Can & Can NOT Eat or Drink

  • You may consume a “light breakfast” consisting of juice with no pulp; coffee with no cream; eggs without cheese; white bread; Boost® or Ensure®; (NO meat and NO vegetables).
  • At 10:00 am, begin a “clear liquid” diet. Drink at least 8 ounces of clear liquids every hour after breakfast to prevent de-hydration.

 

Clear Liquids (NO RED DYES) Do NOT Drink
  • Gatorade®, Pedialyte® or Powerade®
  • Clear broth or bouillon
  • Coffee or tea (no milk or non-dairy creamer)
  • Carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks
  • Kool-Aid® or other fruit-flavored drinks
  • Strained fruit juices (no pulp)
  • Jell-O®, Popsicles®, hard candy
  • Water
  • Alcohol
  • Milk or non-dairy creamer
  • Noodles or vegetables in soup
  • Juice with pulp
  • Liquid you cannot see through

Stay Hydrated

  • After finishing your prep you may remain on clear liquids up to 4 hours before your procedure.
  • Those patient with diabetes or gastroparesis need to stop clear liquids 6 hours before your procedure.
  • The morning of the procedure you may take you scheduled medications up to 2 hours before your procedure with a sip of water.

Tips to Make Prep Easier

Bathroom Items to have Handy

  • Wet Wipes
  • Soft and strong Toilet Paper
  • Creams and Oils
    • VaselineⓇ
    • Coconut oil
    • Boudreaux’s Butt Paste®

Stretchy Pants

Elastic-waisted pants will be a lifesaver once the laxative begins working – you won’t have time to mess with buttons!

Make Liquid Preps easier to swallow

Drink it with a chaser

Drink a few sips of white grape juice or apple juice to leave a good taste in your mouth. Avoid dark colored juices.

Chill it and shake it

Refrigerate the prep before drinking it which will make it more palatable. Shake the mixture before drinking it.

Use a straw

A straw will help contain the taste and make the prep go down faster and easier.

Take the Day Off

Don’t try to squeeze in errands while doing your prep. Clear your schedule so you can be home. You’ll need to be near your bathroom all evening.

After Your Procedure

Post-procedure

You will spend time in our post-procedure unit where our nursing staff will monitor you. Once it is felt safe, you will be able to leave with your driver/escort. You will receive a printed copy of your colonoscopy results for your own records.

At Home

Once home, you may resume your normal diet and medications.

  • Relax and take the night off.
  • Eat a balance meal, avoid heavy or greasy foods for the first few days after your procedure.