Colonoscopy fasting is one of two related and important steps you must take the day before a colonoscopy procedure. The other is commonly known as bowel prep.
The goal of this article is to provide you with information about both.
Colonoscopy fasting and bowel prep are designed to make sure you’ve moved all stools and other intestinal debris out of your colon by the time you go into the operating room. By fasting a taking a prescribed laxative the day before, you give your doctor the best chance of getting a clear view of the walls of your colon.
The colonoscopy procedure itself usually takes less than an 60 minutes (sometimes only 30 minutes or even less). But preparation for your colonoscopy starts at least 24 hours before you enter the operating room.
Generally speaking, your food intake choices are extremely limited in the 24 prior to your procedure. Depending on your situation, your doctor may even ask you to fast for longer than that (this is rare, however).
Gelatin and Popsicles are among the more popular foods you’re allowed to eat during the colonoscopy fasting period. However, your flavor choices are restricted. You won’t be permitted to have red or blue because these can discolor the walls of your colon during the procedure. This of course, make it more difficult for your doctor to tell if there are any problems. The following are also permitted
* diet soda.
* fat-free bouillon or broth
* hard candy such as Life Savers or lemon drops
* plain coffee
* plain tea without sweeteners or milk
* strained fruit juice apple, cranberry and white grape are recommended
* plain water
Definitely stay away from dairy products, including milk, ice cream, or cream soup.
Generally, clear liquids are all right up to four hours before your procedure, but ask your doctor about this.
The second major component you’ll need to complete as you get ready for your colonoscopy is known as bowel prep.
There are several types of laxatives your doctor will prescribe. You’ll take one of the the evening before your colonoscopy. The best known – and most often recommended – brand names are Fleets Phospho-Soda®, Golytely®, and Movi-Prep®.
These products generally require you to take them in a serious of doses over the course of several hours. Make sure you follow the directions on the packaging, and also observe any further recommendations from your doctor.
Between doses of the laxative, it’s a good idea to drink 3-6 glasses of water or clear liquid, otherwise you may become dehydrated. Your doctor may tell you to drink even more than that.
As the laxatives do their job, you’ll start spending a lot of time in the bathroom. You’ll feel as if you have bad diarrhea.
Some individuals who have had one or more colonoscopies say hardest part of the whole process is the colonoscopy fasting and bowel prep. You’re sedated during the procedure, so it’s over before you even know it.
The biggest benefit of having a colonoscopy is in making sure your colon is free of any signs of colon cancer. But your doctor will also look for any other signs of potential colon peoblems, like pre-cancerous polyps or diverticulitis during your examination.
Thanks to advances in colonoscopy procedure technology, plus increased public awareness through media campaigns, the number of colon cancer cases in the last few decades has been steadily decreasing.
Click on colonoscopy fasting and screening for colon cancer symptoms to learn more about keeping your colon healthy. Neal Kennedy is a former TV and radio reporter with a special interest in medical topics.
