Ten helpful tips for your colonoscopy prep:

1. Make small changes to your diet a few days before prep begins

Eat smaller portions and low-fiber foods a few days before your colonoscopy prep to help the day go smoothly. What you choose to eat and drink can impact how well the “clean out” goes.

What to eat before prep:

  • digestive tea
  • soups
  • smoothies
  • eggs
  • rice
  • salmon
  • chicken
  • steamed vegetables
  • pasta
  • lighter-colored foods

What NOT to eat before prep:

  • popcorn
  • fried, heavy foods
  • raw vegetables
  • anything bright red in color

Please limit the amount of high-fiber foods you eat.

2. Drink the colonoscopy prep laxative cold and with a straw

All of the colonoscopy prep drinks require you to drink a fairly large amount. Sometimes this can cause nausea and vomiting. If you’re struggling to drink your colonoscopy prep, we recommend drinking the laxative cold and through a straw for a better experience.

3. Choose some tasty treats for the liquid diet

What you choose to eat and drink can make a big difference. Remember to avoid any liquids with red dyes as these may look like traces of blood during the colonoscopy and can interfere with getting accurate results. Add some of these treats to your prep:

  • low-sodium broth
  • jello (not red)
  • apple juice
  • white grape juice
  • flavored sparkling water
  • 7-up or Sprite
  • black coffee (without creamer)
  • Crystal Light
  • Gatorade (not red)

4. Make your bathroom prep a little easier

Once the colonoscopy prep laxative begins working, you’ll spend a lot of time in the bathroom. Add these items to your grocery list:

  • wet wipes
  • soft and strong toilet paper—even better if it has aloe
  • creams and oils, such as vaseline and coconut oil, can help prevent or soothe irritation

5. Have chargers and light reading available

Charge your phone and get a good book to read—you will be in the bathroom a lot!

6. Wear stretchy pants

Elastic-waisted pants are more comfortable and you won’t have to work buttons or zippers when you’re in a hurry.

7. Double-check what time to start your prep

Always check with your doctor’s office and know what time they advise you to stop drinking liquids, even if the packaging on your colonoscopy prep says differently. This can impact your anesthesia during the colonoscopy.

8. Don’t drink your prep drink all at one time

Drinking 32 ounces of anything all at once can be overwhelming. Break up your prep over an hour with four 8-ounce glasses. It is much easier to drink 8 ounces every 15 minutes than to drink 32 ounces all at once.

9. Finish the entire prep

It may be tempting to stop drinking all of the colonoscopy prep if your stools are running clear or faintly yellow, but it’s important to complete all of the steps. This makes sure you have a total clean-out and effective scope.

10. Ease back into eating solid foods

You may be hungry after your procedure but your gut may take a few days to feel normal again. Avoid having a heavy, greasy meal or you may regret it!

Bonus: Be proud of yourself!

Practice self-care and be proud of yourself—you got screened! Don’t forget to tell your family about your results. You won’t be able to drive or work following the procedure, so plan to take it easy for the rest of the day.