Follow these instructions if your procedure is scheduled to begin at 10 am or later.

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You will need to purchase a prescription bowel preparation kit. You should fill this prescription as soon as you have scheduled your procedure.

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Beginning 5 days prior to your procedure: avoid aspirin or aspirin containing products. Also discontinue fiber supplements, flaxseed, vitamin E, fish oil, and Iron supplements.

 

The day before the procedure

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In the early morning, you may have a simple breakfast with no fruit, vegetables, grains, or fiber (for example, eggs, meat, yogurt)

Beginning at 9 am: you must follow a clear liquid diet for the remainder of the day.  Do not eat any solid foods, milk products, or juices with pulp. Drink large amounts of fluid to avoid hunger and dehydration. If you do not drink ample fluids, the bowel will not become cleansed.

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Examples include:

• Clear juice, Soft drinks, Sports drinks (Gatorade, PowerAde)

• Coffee or tea, Clear broth, Jell-O or Popsicles

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At 2 pm: Mix the laxative solution as directed on the packaging, and shake until it is completely dissolved.  Refrigerate this until the next step

At 6 pm: Drink the first dose of the laxative solution over 2 hours. Follow this with 32 ounces of clear liquid. This will induce mild diarrhea, which will cleanse the colon.

 

The day of your procedure

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5 hours before your procedure is scheduled to begin, take the second dose of laxative as directed on the package. Follow with another 32 ounces of clear liquid.

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Take your usual medications for blood pressure, heart, and respiratory conditions with a small sip of water.

 

Diabetics should not take any insulin or oral medications on that morning.

 

Have nothing by mouth for two hours before the procedure.

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Arrive at the registration area as directed or 60 minutes prior to the procedure.

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You may receive medications during the procedure and should not drive, use mechanical equipment, or sign legal documents for 12 hours. You must arrange to have a familiar adult drive you home.If arrangements are not made, the procedure may be canceled.

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** If for any reason you think you will not be able to make it to the appointment, you must contact the physician on call and the procedure unit to notify us of this.**