How to Prep For a Colonoscopy

Knowing what to expect can make the process easier

Preparing for a colonoscopy is a lot. The liquid diet. The laxatives. The trips to the bathroom. But if it sounds like more trouble than it’s worth, think again. Here’s what to know about the process (and how to make it a little easier).

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a colorectal cancer screening. “During this procedure, your provider uses a special camera to examine the inside of your colon and rectum,” says Amitpal Johal, MD, gastroenterologist at Geisinger. That camera is used to look for cancerous and non-cancerous growth or polyps in your colon.

Colonoscopies aren’t just used to check for cancer. They’re also used to help diagnose other GI conditions, like:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Diverticulitis
Crohn’s disease
Hemorrhoids

Before you have the procedure, you’ll get ready by doing something called colonoscopy prep.

What is colonoscopy prep like?

Once you’re scheduled for a colonoscopy, your healthcare provider will send you detailed instructions for how to prepare.

“Preparation typically consists of a liquid-only diet and the use of laxatives the day before,” Dr. Johal says. Depending on your healthcare provider, this may be slightly altered.

Wondering how long colonoscopy prep takes to work? The whole process takes about 24 hours. And you can go back to your regular activities once the procedure is over.

Liquid diet

To prepare, you’ll stop eating solid food the day before your procedure. That means you’ll only be able to drink liquids, like:

Broth
Black coffee or tea
Clear soda like ginger ale
Electrolyte sports drinks
Clear fruit juices
Popsicles
Jell-O

But before you reach for your favorite popsicles and drinks, be mindful of what colors you’re taking in. “Avoid food or drinks containing red, blue or purple food coloring, which could be mistaken for blood during your exam,” says Dr. Johal.

You’ll finish your liquid diet and start taking a laxative solution.

The cleanout

The time of your appointment will determine when you start taking laxatives. “Your healthcare provider will give you a specific time to start drinking your prep solution,” Dr. Johal says.

Once the prep begins, you’ll feel the effects within a few hours. When the laxatives kick in, you’ll want to stay close to a restroom.

Depending on what your provider advises, you may take a few laxative tablets a few hours before you start drinking the liquid laxatives.

The liquid mixture typically consists of a laxative powder dissolved into a sports drink. You’ll drink this at 2 separate intervals, several hours apart. This may mean drinking the second portion in the middle of the night.

Colonoscopy prep made easier

The idea of colonoscopy prep doesn’t have to be daunting. Follow these helpful tips to make your prep a little less stressful

Stay hydrated

“During prep, you’ll lose a significant amount of fluids,” Dr. Johal says. That fluid loss can lead to dehydration, which can make you feel sick. To avoid getting dehydrated, drink plenty of water and clear liquids during the process.

Chill your prep solution

To make your laxative solution go down a little easier, put it in the fridge beforehand. Keeping it cold will make it easier to drink. Another tip? Sip it slowly through a straw.

Dress comfortably

Colonoscopy prep is no time for a fashion show. To keep yourself comfortable, wear loose-fitting, cozy clothes. Choose items that stretch and don’t fit tightly around your stomach area. Your favorite sweatpants and T-shirt are the perfect outfit.

Stick close to home

Your prep process will have you spending a lot of time in the bathroom. That means you’ll want to clear your calendar. Schedule a day off work, if possible, and avoid leaving home.

Find things to entertain you

Since you’ll be spending a good chunk of time in the bathroom, consider having items to entertain you close by. Choose things like:

Books
Magazines
A tablet to watch videos

And if you have a digital assistant, use it to play music or listen to audio books. You can also set a timer with your assistant to stay on track during your prep.

Getting through it

“The prep is the hardest part of a colonoscopy,” Dr. Johal says. The prep ends a few hours before your colonoscopy. And once that’s over, you can go back to your regular diet and activities.

You’ll be back to feeling like yourself in no time — and you did something smart for your health.