Before the colonoscopy, you will need to undergo special preparations to properly clear your bowels. The colonoscopy preparation process consists of a clear liquid diet for 24-hours prior to the procedure as well as taking a laxative prep solution. You will be provided with an effective low-volume colonoscopy prep solution. A proper preparation is vital to ensuring a safe and comfortable exam as well as guaranteeing that your colon is as clean as possible so that all polyps may be identified and removed.
Checklist for Your Colonoscopy
- Make sure you have your bowel prep kit and that you follow all of the instructions provided to you by our office.
- Stock up on plenty of clear liquids, jello and popsicles (no red, purple or blue colors).
- Arrange for a responsible adult to escort you home or sign up for a medical transport ride. You can inquire about a medical transport ride with our office staff. You cannot drive after the procedure or take a taxi home by yourself.
- Call your insurance company to confirm coverage.
- Make sure that you have completed and submitted the pre-procedure registration packet.
Download Patient Forms
Prescription Medications
Please list all prescription medications, vitamins or supplements on your Patient Questionnaire form. It is important that you notify your physician if you are taking any blood thinning medications such as Plavix, Coumadin, Arixtra, Aggrenox, or Lovenox.
The Day Before Your Colonoscopy
- No solid foods
- No liquids with pulp
- No milk or dairy products
- No red, purple or blue colored liquids
- No opaque liquids (liquids that are not clear)
- Follow the instructions in your procedure packet
- Stay hydrated by drinking a minimum of 8 glasses of any clear liquid of your choice
- Take your medications as you normally do. An exception is if you take a blood thinner other than aspirin; if you do, please contact our office.
What You CAN Eat and Drink
- Coffee and tea (no milk)
- Clear soup broth such as beef, vegetable or chicken (without chunks of food)
- Apple juice
- White grape juice
- Ginger ale
- Sprite/7-up
- Gatorade (no red, purple or blue)
- Jello (no red, purple or blue)
- Popsicles (no red, purple or blue)
- Any clear liquid that is non alcoholic
What is a clear liquid?
If you pour a drink into a clear glass and place it on top of a newspaper, you should be able to see text through the liquid. For example, this works with apple juice but not with orange juice.
What to bring with you on the day of your procedure
- Bring all insurance cards. It is important for us to have all the current and correct information.
- Bring a government issued photo ID such as a driver’s license.
- If required, bring a form of payment. The facility accepts cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
- If you have asthma or emphysema, bring your inhalers with you.
- If you take insulin, bring the bottle of insulin and syringes with you.
- Wear comfortable clothing because you will be changing into a gown.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to escort you home from the facility.
- Limit the number of people who accompany you.
What not to bring to the procedure
- Leave all jewelry, wigs, cash and valuables at home. Our facility cannot be responsible for their safety.
- Please remove all finger nail polish as this may interfere with the oxygen monitor.
