Colonoscopy Preparation FAQs

Even of your stools become clear after the first dose, you should still attempt to take the entire course. However, as long as you get enough down to start having frequent watery/clear bowel movements, the prep should be adequate.

Try this: If you don't like the taste of the liquid in the bowel prep kit, drink the liquid very cold (or on ice) and use a straw to help bypass some of your taste buds. Drink quickly rather than slowly.

The low residue diet is recommended as one part of your overall preparation for colonoscopy. Following the low residue diet provides added assurance that your preparation will be adequate. The most important aspect of the preparation is the laxative solution itself, which you have been instructed to drink.

Whether you complete this solution as instructed is what will determine the success of your preparation. Do your best to follow our dietary recommendations, but if for some reason you can't, we probably won't need to reschedule you.

Every patient's case is different. We strongly recommend that you discuss your diet and colonoscopy prep with your primary care physician or gastroenterologist prior to scheduling your colonoscopy.

Preparing for a procedure may involve some temporary changes in your diet. Please contact the doctor who manages your diabetes for advice regarding any changes that are needed in your diabetes medicine the day before and the day of your test. If you have an insulin pump, please discuss management with your diabetes doctor before your procedure.

If you are sick, you may keep your scheduled appointment as long as you are not vomiting or experiencing a fever or a cough with sputum/phlegm.

Please call us at 617-754-8888 first thing in the morning if you feel you need to reschedule. Our scheduling office opens at 8:00 am.

Generally this isn't a problem, however if we remove a polyp we will ask you to not take aspirin or NSAIDS for the next week.

Yes, but stop taking the vitamins right away. If you find your stool is generally very black when taking iron, it might be better to reschedule the colonoscopy for when you have stopped the iron for a week and your stools are brown.

It is very important to call our office at 617-754-8888 if you are taking any blood thinners and did not discuss it when scheduling your appointment. Our staff can coordinate with your providers to determine whether you should continue taking your medication ahead of your procedure.

Yes. You should take all hypertension and cardiac medications at your usual times with a small amount of water.

No. You cannot chew gum or have hard candies during the clear liquid portion of your prep.

Yes, but it must be black. No forms of dairy or creamers are permitted during the clear liquid portion.

No. You will already be dehydrated during the clear liquid portion and it is very unwise to consume alcohols which can further dehydrate you.

No. Even if they do not contain dairy, the liquid may have seeds and fiber from the fruits and vegetables.