Steps to Success
Everything you need to know for a successful procedure can be found here
Your gastroenterologist has ordered a specific bowel prep, which our pharmacy partner, Gifthealth, will distribute. Their patient advocates are readily available to answer any questions you may have.
Should you have any questions, please contact Gifthealth:
Chat now on the Gifthealth website
Prep Week at a Glance
It’s important to stick to a clear liquid diet before a procedure to ensure the colon is empty, allowing for better visibility and accuracy during the procedure.
Approved Clear Liquids
Water
Gatorade®
Clear broths
Jell-O®
Coffee / tea without milk or creamers
Pulp-free Popsicles®
Clear juices (without pulp)
Unapproved Clear Liquids
Dairy products
Red or purple liquids
Anything with pulp
Alcohol
7 DAYS BEFORE
- Discontinue oral and injectable GLP-1 agonists and phentermine medications.
- Consult your prescribing provider’s instructions for blood thinning medication instructions.
- Discontinue iron supplements, multivitamins with iron and high doses of fish oil.
3 DAYS BEFORE
- Stop eating foods with fiber, such as raw vegetables, corn, popcorn, red meat, and anything with nuts or seeds.
- Stop taking fiber supplements.
1 DAY BEFORE – PREP DAY
- Begin clear liquid diet. No solid food until after your procedure.
- Follow your prep specific instructions and begin prep.
- Ensure you are adequately hydrated by drinking plenty of clear liquids.
Procedure Instructions
Select the specific prep prescribed by your gastroenterologist.
SUPREP®
SUFLAVE™
SUTAB®
MiraLAX®
CoLYTELY® / GoLYTELY® / NuLYTELY® / TriLyte® (PEG 3350)
Transportation
Because your procedure requires sedation, a driver (age 18 or over) must accompany you to your appointment.
The person who is driving you home must remain at the facility while your procedure is being performed so that they are available in the unlikely event of an emergency.
You may not go home in a taxi, rideshare (Uber/Lyft), or take public transportation. The sedation you will receive will prevent you from driving safely or working the day of your procedure. Following your procedure, do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or sign legal documents for 24 hours.
FAQs
What if I have constipation?
Your doctor may prescribe Magnesium Citrate in addition to your primary bowel preparation. If so, two days before your procedure at 5 p.m., start a clear liquid diet and drink the entire bottle of Magnesium Citrate.
What is a clear stool?
A clear stool will be completely transparent and will not contain any solid matter. It may have a slight tint of yellow or brown.
I am not having bowel movements, what should I do?
Bowel movements can take up to 5-6 hours after beginning the prep to start. Be patient and continue to drink clear liquids. If you have not had a bowel movement by midnight the night before your procedure, you will need to reach the on-call physician for further instructions.
The prep is making me nauseous. What should I do?
If you develop nausea or vomiting, slow down the rate at which you drink the solution. Please attempt to drink all of the laxative solution even if it takes you longer. If vomiting persists, or you are not able to finish the preparation, stop the preparation and contact your physician’s office during normal business hours or speak to the on-call physician.
What are some high fiber foods I should avoid?
Raw fruits and vegetables are typically high in fiber, as well as nuts, seeds, whole grain breads and beans and lentils.
What are good options for low fiber foods?
Choose white bread and white rice for lower fiber options, as well as pasta made with white flour. Chicken, fish, dairy, and eggs are also low in fiber and good choices for foods 2-3 days before you begin your prep.
If I eat popcorn or seeds 3 days before my procedure, do I need to reschedule?
You will not need to reschedule your procedure; however, the seeds or nuts may cause difficulty in screening and require a need for rescreening. If you have eaten a large amount of seeds or nuts, you should contact your provider or their medical assistant.
Can I drink alcohol on the liquid diet?
No, alcohol is not allowed as part of the liquid diet.
