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Patient Resources

Colonoscopy Prep Instructions

Proper preparation is essential for a successful colonoscopy. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure your colon is clean for the procedure.

Important

These are general guidelines. Dr. Earl or his team will provide you with specific prep instructions based on your medical history and the type of prep prescribed. Always follow the specific instructions given to you at your consultation.

1

7 Days Before Your Procedure

  • • Stop taking iron supplements, vitamins with iron, and fiber supplements
  • • If you take blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel, etc.), ask Dr. Earl whether and when to stop
  • • Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure — you cannot drive yourself
  • • Plan to take the day off work on the day of your procedure
2

3 Days Before

  • • Stop eating nuts, seeds, corn, popcorn, and whole grains
  • • Avoid raw fruits and vegetables with skins or seeds
  • • Begin a low-fiber diet
3

The Day Before — Clear Liquid Diet

You may ONLY have the following:

✓ Water
✓ Clear broth (chicken, beef, vegetable)
✓ Apple juice (no pulp)
✓ White grape juice
✓ Clear sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade)
✓ Clear soft drinks (Sprite, 7-Up, ginger ale)
✓ Plain Jell-O (no red, purple, or blue)
✓ Popsicles (no red, purple, or blue)
✓ Black coffee or tea (no cream/milk)
✓ Plain hard candy

DO NOT consume:

  • ✗ Milk, cream, or dairy products
  • ✗ Red, purple, or blue liquids or Jell-O
  • ✗ Anything with pulp or fiber
  • ✗ Alcohol
  • ✗ Solid food of any kind
4

Taking the Prep Solution

Dr. Earl will prescribe a specific bowel prep solution. Common options include GoLYTELY, Suprep, or Miralax/Gatorade prep. The exact timing and instructions will be provided at your consultation.

General tips for the prep:

  • • Chill the prep solution — it tastes better cold
  • • Drink through a straw placed far back on your tongue
  • • You may suck on a lemon or hard candy between sips
  • • Stay near a bathroom — the prep works quickly
  • • Drink plenty of clear liquids to stay hydrated
5

Day of Your Procedure

  • • Do not eat or drink anything (including water) for at least 4 hours before your procedure
  • • Take only medications approved by Dr. Earl with a small sip of water
  • • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
  • • Leave jewelry and valuables at home
  • • Bring your photo ID and insurance card (if applicable)
  • • You must have a driver — you will not be allowed to drive, take a taxi, or use rideshare alone after sedation

After Your Procedure

  • • You will be monitored in recovery until the sedation wears off (typically 30-60 minutes)
  • • Dr. Earl will discuss initial findings with you before you leave
  • • You may feel bloated or gassy — this is normal and will pass
  • • Resume your normal diet as tolerated
  • • Do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours
  • • Biopsy results (if taken) will be available within a few days

Have questions about your prep?

Call (913) 379-3350