Preparing for a colonoscopy can be challenging, but good preparation is important for a thorough exam. The goal is to completely clean the colon so your gastroenterologist can clearly examine its lining and identify polyps or other abnormalities.
In this guide, I’ll explain some practical ways to plan ahead, adjust your diet, and make the bowel preparation process more manageable.
Your specific colonoscopy preparation instructions should always come first. The timing of your diet, bowel preparation, medications, and when to stop drinking liquids can vary. Follow the instructions provided for your procedure and contact your healthcare team if you have questions.
Start Planning Several Days Ahead
Planning is the first step to preparing for a colonoscopy. Read through the instructions provided for your procedure several days in advance so you know what to expect and have time to ask questions.
Before prep day:
- Review your instructions. Make note of when to adjust your diet, when to begin the bowel preparation, and any specific instructions involving medications or supplements.
- Get your supplies. Pick up your prescribed bowel prep and any other items recommended in your instructions ahead of time.
- Clear your schedule. Once the bowel preparation begins, plan to stay close to a bathroom and avoid other commitments.
- Arrange transportation. If you will receive sedation, make arrangements for someone to drive you home after your colonoscopy.
- Ask questions early. If anything in your instructions is unclear, contact your healthcare team before prep day rather than waiting until the preparation has already started.
What to Eat and Drink Before Your Colonoscopy
What you eat in the days leading up to a colonoscopy can affect how well your colon is cleaned for the exam. Many preparation plans include a temporary low-fiber or low-residue diet because high-fiber foods can leave material behind in the colon and make it more difficult to get a clear view during the procedure.
As your colonoscopy approaches, you may be instructed to avoid foods such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, popcorn, raw vegetables, and certain fruits. Foods that are easier to digest and leave less residue may be recommended instead.
The day before your colonoscopy is typically when the diet becomes more restrictive. Many preparation plans require you to stop eating solid foods and switch to clear liquids. Staying hydrated during this part of the preparation is important, especially once the bowel prep begins.
Clear liquids may include water, clear broth, certain sports drinks, clear juices such as apple or white grape juice, tea or coffee without milk or creamer, and other approved beverages. Certain liquids and colors may need to be avoided because they can interfere with the exam.
Exactly when you should change your diet, which foods and liquids are permitted, and when you must stop drinking before your procedure depend on the instructions provided for your colonoscopy. Your instructions may also include specific guidance about medications, vitamins, and supplements. Do not stop or change a prescription medication on your own.
Taking Your Bowel Preparation
The bowel preparation is designed to empty your colon so your gastroenterologist can clearly examine the colon lining during your procedure. Once the preparation begins working, you can expect frequent, increasingly watery bowel movements, so plan to stay close to a bathroom.
Take the bowel preparation exactly as directed. Depending on the type of prep prescribed, you may be instructed to take it in more than one portion at specific times. Completing the preparation as directed is important, even if your bowel movements appear clear before you have finished.
If you have significant difficulty completing the preparation, vomit repeatedly, or have another concern that may prevent you from following your instructions, contact your healthcare team for guidance rather than changing the preparation on your own.
Tips to Make Colonoscopy Prep Easier
Colonoscopy prep isn’t the part of the process most people look forward to, but a little planning can make it more manageable.
- Read your instructions ahead of time. Knowing what you need to do and when you need to do it can make prep day less stressful.
- Have approved clear liquids available. Choose several permitted options you enjoy so you aren’t relying on the same drink throughout the day.
- Stay close to a bathroom. Once the bowel prep starts working, bowel movements can become frequent and urgent.
- Make yourself comfortable. Wear comfortable clothes and prepare your bathroom ahead of time. Soft toilet tissue or wipes and a skin barrier may help with irritation from frequent bowel movements.
- Ask before modifying your prep. If you’re having trouble drinking or completing the prescribed preparation, contact your healthcare team rather than changing the dose, timing, or ingredients yourself.
The Day of Your Colonoscopy
On the day of your colonoscopy, continue following the instructions provided for your procedure, including when to stop drinking liquids and how to handle any medications you normally take.
Make sure your transportation arrangements are in place if you will receive sedation. If you were unable to complete the bowel preparation, accidentally ate or drank something outside your instructions, or have concerns about whether you are adequately prepared, contact your healthcare team rather than assuming your procedure needs to be canceled.
Colonoscopy Prep FAQs
How many days before a colonoscopy should I change my diet?
Colonoscopy preparation usually begins several days before the procedure, but the exact timing and dietary restrictions can vary. Follow the schedule provided in your individual prep instructions.
What can I drink before a colonoscopy?
Clear liquids commonly include water, clear broth, certain sports drinks, apple or white grape juice, and tea or coffee without milk or creamer. Your prep instructions will identify which liquids are permitted and when you need to stop drinking them.
How do I know if my colonoscopy prep is working?
As the bowel preparation works, your bowel movements should become increasingly watery and contain less solid material. Follow the complete preparation as directed, even if you think your colon is already clear.
What if I can’t finish my colonoscopy prep?
If you’re having significant difficulty drinking or completing your bowel preparation, contact your healthcare team for guidance. Don’t independently change the amount, timing, or type of preparation you were instructed to use.
What if I accidentally eat or drink something I wasn’t supposed to?
Contact your healthcare team and explain what you ate or drank and when. Don’t assume that your colonoscopy must be canceled, but don’t ignore the mistake either. Your healthcare team can determine the appropriate next step based on your specific circumstances.
What About After Your Colonoscopy?
Once your procedure is complete, you may have questions about what to eat, when your digestion will return to normal, and how to support your digestive system as you recover. Read my guide to restoring your gut after a colonoscopy for practical tips on eating, hydration, digestive changes, and recovery after your procedure.
Colonoscopy Preparation in Lubbock, TX
A successful colonoscopy starts with good preparation. Following your specific prep instructions carefully is one of the most important things you can do to help your gastroenterologist get a clear view of the colon and perform a thorough examination.
Need to schedule a colonoscopy in Lubbock? Learn more about colonoscopy with Dr. Sameer Islam, including colon cancer screening, Dr. Islam’s colonoscopy quality indicators, insurance coverage, self-pay options, and what to expect from your procedure.
