Preparing for a Colonoscopy
You’ve got an important appointment coming up — let’s make sure you’re fully prepared!
✅ Check Your Procedure Date
You should have received your colonoscopy date during your office visit or over the phone with one of our medical assistants. If you:
- Have questions about the date,
- Need to reschedule,
- Or haven’t received a date yet,
Please give us a call at 503-874-0574. We’re here to help.
📝 Preparation Instructions
You were provided detailed prep instructions either as a printed handout, sent in the mail or sent through your MyChart health portal. These instructions are tailored to the specific preparation type that you selected or that your provider recommended.
Please read them carefully — proper preparation is essential to ensure a safe and effective colonoscopy.
🏥Here’s what to expect:
- 💊Medication Adjustments:
- One week before:
- Stop taking iron pills, fish oil, vitamin E, aspirin, ibuprofen, or any NSAIDS, Plavix, Coumadin, and any type of blood-thinning medication unless directed to do so by your doctor. If you need pain medicine, you can take Tylenol before the procedure if needed but avoid taking medications directly before or after your prep.
- Stop taking Trulicity, Ozempic and Mounjaro.
- Your doctor will give you instructions on when to stop and start other medications if needed.
- One week before:
- 🚗Arrange Transportation:
- You will receive intravenous (IV) sedation or anesthesia for this procedure so it will be required that you have someone to drive you home afterward.
- 🍽️Diet Instructions:
- Two days before
- Avoid eating celery, salad, corn, popcorn, seeded foods, blackberries, and nuts.
- Stop taking fiber supplements: Metamucil, Citrucel, etc.
- Day BEFORE the Procedure:
- When you wake up the day BEFORE your procedure, you will begin a Clear Liquid Diet. This means you are unable to eat solid foods, non-clear liquids, and red or purple liquids. Things you can eat include water, broth, apple or white grape juice, (Non red/purple) sports drinks, clear sodas, and gelatin.
- No coffee, tea, milk, or dairy products.
- Day OF the Procedure:
- Continue Clear Liquid Diet. No Solid Food.
- If directed, take your regular morning medications at least 4 hours before your procedure. Do not take any narcotics or controlled substances, which include some anxiety medications until after your procedure.
- Blood Pressure and Heart Medications: take these medications with a sip of water if you have been instructed to take them.
- Two days before
DO NOT put ANYTHING in your mouth 2 hours before your procedure.
This includes but is not limited to: bowel prep, medication, hard candy, chewing gum and chewing tobacco. No Food. No liquids.
- 📋Bowel Prep:
You’ll be asked to follow a clear liquid diet the day before your procedure and drink a prescribed laxative solution to empty your bowels. We provide special instructions on how to take the bowel prep properly in order to prepare you for the procedure, please follow these instructions. You can download each bowel prep’s specific instructions at the links listed below:
📥Download Your Colonoscopy Bowel Prep Instructions:
Choose the prep type you selected at your office visit or during the fast-track screening process. If you have questions about which prep you selected, please give our office a call to confirm your prep:
Miralax Prep
Suflave Prep
Sutab Prep
Golytely Prep
🩹After the Procedure
- You’ll be monitored in a recovery area until the sedation wears off.
- You may feel bloating, gas, or mild cramping for a few hours due to the air used to inflate the colon during the exam.
- Most patients can resume normal activities by the next day, but avoid driving or operating machinery for 24 hours.
- Your doctor will discuss the findings with you and let you know when to expect biopsy results if samples were taken.
For additional details and to learn more about colonoscopies, please visit our Colonoscopy Procedure Information page at the link below.
📖Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
*The information in this FAQ is for general guidance only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for recommendations specific to your situation.
Will it hurt?
No, you’ll be sedated and should not feel pain during the procedure. Some mild discomfort or gas afterward is normal.
Can I go to work the next day?
Most people return to work and normal activities within 24 hours.
How often do I need one?
If no polyps are found, your next screening might be in 10 years. If polyps are found, your doctor may recommend a shorter follow-up interval.
Do I still need a colonoscopy if I feel fine?
Yes. Colon cancer often develops without symptoms in its early stages. That’s why routine screening is important—even if you feel healthy. Early detection greatly improves the chance of successful treatment.
Can I have a colonoscopy during my period?
Yes, it’s safe. Just wear a pad, not a tampon, during the procedure.
What if I throw up the bowel prep?
Stop and call your doctor—they may adjust your prep or give alternate instructions.
Can I take chewing gum or mints before the procedure?
No. Avoid chewing gum, mints, or candy within a few hours of the procedure.
Can I brush my teeth on the day of the colonoscopy?
Yes, just don’t swallow any water or toothpaste.
When can I eat after the procedure?
Usually right after you’re fully awake although it is recommended to start with light food and advance as tolerated.
Can I have a colonoscopy while pregnant?
It’s rare and only done if medically necessary. Discuss risks with your doctor.
Can I drink alcohol the day before my colonoscopy?
No. Avoid alcohol as it can dehydrate you and interfere with sedation.
Can I get a colonoscopy during a cold or minor illness?
It depends—contact your doctor to reschedule if you’re sick.
❓Questions? We’re Here for You
If anything is unclear or you need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Call us at 503-874-0574. Our team is happy to help.