How to prepare for your colonoscopy procedure
Before the procedure
Dietary restrictions
- 1 week before: Stop taking certain medications or supplements (i.e. blood thinners, iron, or aspirin) if instructed by Dr. Pou.
- 3 days before: Transition to a low-fiber diet. Avoid whole grains, seeds, nuts, raw vegetables, and fruits with skins.
- 1 day before: Follow a clear liquid diet. This includes water, clear broths, tea, coffee (no cream), clear juices, sports drinks, and gelatin (no red, blue, or purple colors).
- Bowel preparation: Drink the prescribed bowel preparation solution as instructed, usually in two doses:
First dose: Evening before the procedure.
Second dose: Early morning on the day of the procedure.
Expect frequent bowel movements within a few hours. Stay near a restroom.
Full details on bowel preparation. - Medications: Continue essential medications as directed by Dr. Pou.
- No food or water after midnight: Avoid eating or drinking (except water for medications) after midnight unless instructed otherwise.
Transportation for the day of the procedure
Arrange for someone to drive you home. Because of the sedative used, having someone drive you home is a necessary safety precaution.
On the day of the procedure
- Second dose: Take the second dose of the bowel preparation solution as instructed.
- Medications: Take your morning medications as directed by Dr. Pou.
- Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Wear clothes that will keep you warm, and clothing you can shed if too hot. Socks and a cap can help you regulate your body temperature. Remove nail polish and do not wear jewelry or other valuables.
- No food or water: Avoid eating or drinking (except water for medications) unless instructed otherwise.
- Arrival: Arrive at our clinic at your scheduled time (usually 1-2 hours before the procedure).
Bring these items with you
- A book or a device. Having something to do can make the waiting time feel shorter.
- Clothing that will help you feel comfortable. Socks and a cap can help you regulate your body temperature.
- A list of medications including dosage, your insurance card, and a form of identification such as a driver’s license.
- Your questions for Dr. Pou.
- A list of allergies and/or previous problems with sedatives, surgery, blood transfusions, or medical problems
- Cash, check, or a credit/debit card to cover your co-payment.
Plan ahead
Keep your transportation provider informed about potential variability in your wait duration and release time. You may be at the clinic from 3 to 4 hours, depending on your surgery or procedure. If you are unsure about the timeline, feel free to ask the staff.
During the procedure
- You will be sedated, so you won’t feel pain or remember the procedure.
- A colonoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera) will be inserted into your rectum to examine your colon.
- Procedures typically lasts 20-30 minutes, but the preparation and recovery may take several hours.
- Dr. Pou may order lab work, an EKG, and/or a chest x-ray while you are at the clinic.
After the procedure
- Recovery: Recovery times vary depending on the type of sedation used and individual patient responses. You will be monitored until the sedative has worn off.
- Medications: Resume your regular medications unless Dr. Pou instructs otherwise.
- Diet: Start with light, easily digestible foods like soup, crackers, or toast. Gradually return to your normal diet unless advised otherwise. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours.
- Side effects: You may experience cramping or bloating because of air introduced into the colon during the procedure. These symptoms typically resolve within a day and may be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) if needed.
- Be alert: During your recovery, be vigilant. Seek help promptly if needed. Contact us right away if you have severe abdominal pain or cramping, persistent nausea or vomiting, high fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C), significant rectal bleeding (more than a few drops), difficulty breathing or swallowing.
How to prepare for your upper endoscopy
On the day of the procedure
- 6-8 hours before: Avoid eating or drinking for 6-8 hours before the procedure to ensure your stomach is empty.
Full details on bowel preparation. - Medications: Stop certain medications (i.e. blood thinners) if instructed. Take essential medications with a small sip of water if approved by Dr. Pou.
- Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Wear clothes that will keep you warm, and clothing you can shed if too hot. Socks and a cap can help you regulate your body temperature. Remove nail polish and do not wear jewelry or other valuables.
- Arrival: Arrive at our clinic at your scheduled time (usually 1-2 hours before the procedure).
Transportation for the day of the procedure
Arrange for someone to drive you home. Because of the sedative used, having someone drive you home is a necessary safety precaution.
Bring these items with you
- A book or a device. Having something to do can make the waiting time feel shorter.
- Clothing that will help you feel comfortable. Socks and a cap can help you regulate your body temperature.
- A list of medications including dosage, your insurance card, and a form of identification such as a driver’s license.
- Your questions for Dr. Pou.
- A list of allergies and/or previous problems with sedatives, surgery, blood transfusions, or medical problems
- Cash, check, or a credit/debit card to cover your co-payment.
Plan ahead
Keep your transportation provider informed about potential variability in your wait duration and release time. You may be at the clinic from 3 to 4 hours, depending on your surgery or procedure. If you are unsure about the timeline, feel free to ask the staff.
During the procedure
- You will be sedated for comfort.
- A thin, flexible tube (endoscope) with a camera will be passed through your mouth and into your upper digestive tract.
- You may have a bite guard to protect your teeth.
- Procedures typically lasts 20-30 minutes, but the preparation and recovery may take several hours.
- Dr. Pou may order lab work, an EKG, and/or a chest x-ray while you are at the clinic.
After the procedure
- Recovery: Recovery times vary depending on the type of sedation used and individual patient responses. You will be monitored until the sedative has worn off.
- Medications: Resume your regular medications unless Dr. Pou instructs otherwise.
- Diet: Avoid eating or drinking until the numbness in your throat wears off (usually 1–2 hours after the procedure). Start with small sips of water, then progress to soft foods as tolerated.
- Side effects: You may experience a slight sore throat, mild bloating, burping or hoarseness. These symptoms typically resolve within a day and may be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) if needed.
- Be alert: During your recovery, be vigilant. Seek help promptly if needed. Contact us right away if you have severe abdominal pain or cramping, persistent nausea or vomiting, high fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C), significant rectal bleeding (more than a few drops), difficulty breathing or swallowing.