Endoscopy prepgetting ready for a colonoscopy or upper GI endoscopycan be intimidating and a bit nerve-racking.
Heres what youll need to do.
If you have any questions about stopping or adjusting medications, call your medical team.
Oscar Wong / Getty Images
But if youre having a colonoscopy, this is when youll start changing your diet.
This is when youll limit your food and fluid intake.
The specifics vary depending on whether youre having an upper GI endoscopy or a colonoscopy.
For an upper endoscopy, youll need to make changes eight hours before your appointment.
The day before a colonoscopy you should:
What Is the Colonoscopy Drink?
For a colonoscopy to be effective, your colon should be as empty as possible.
Eating a low-fiber diet for three days helps reset the colon.
The final step is taking a bowel prep medication, sometimes called the drink before a colonoscopy.
This is an over-the-counter or prescription laxative.
Its meant to induce diarrhea that will ensure your colon is clear for the procedure.
The Day of the Procedure
The day of your procedure, you should follow these instructions.
The advice for when to stop drinking clear liquids varies somewhat.
Ask your doctor for their specific recommendation and follow that.
Always ask your doctor about the prep for your specific procedure.
What to Expect From the Procedure
After an endoscopy, youll be groggy from sedation.
Skip the gym and limit work if possible.
After a GI endoscopy, your throat might feel sore or scratchy from having the camera inserted.
Your voice might sound hoarse too.
Reach out to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Dont travel outside the U.S. during that time in case you have unexpected complications.
What Prep Happens the Day of the Procedure?
If you had to have tissue samples removed during the procedure, youll get those results later.
Its best to take it easy for a full day after an endoscopy.
You should feel mostly like yourself within three days or so.
Youll also need to arrange for someone to help you get home after the procedure.
That might seem like a lot.
However, endoscopies can be an important part of taking charge of your health.
Preparing ahead of time ensures your doctor can get all the information they need during the procedure.
UCLA Health.Colonoscopy prep instructions.
University of Michigan Health.Upper endoscopy (EGD) prep instructions.
Kaiser Permanente.Preparing for your colonoscopy.
Stanford Medicine.Preparing for an upper endoscopy.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Colonoscopy.
