A colonoscopy is the leading procedure for the early detection of colon cancer. Gastroenterologists conduct an estimated 15 million colonoscopies in the US each year, helping to identify issues like polyps and colorectal cancer. However, you as a patient play an active role in assuring success of this procedure.

Through proper diet in the days leading up to the procedure and adhering to guidelines concerning preparing your colon for a colonoscopy, you help make the process successful. Without your involvement, your colonoscopy could not be completed.

This article will focus on the important steps in colon “prep” and the dietary steps & planning that you as a patient need to undertake in the days leading up to your procedure.

Colonoscopy Prep Diet: What to Eat and Avoid in the Days Before

The dietary timeline for a colonoscopy is as follows:

5-7 Days Prior: Increasing your fluid intake ( primarily water) will keep you hydrated. This becomes particularly important since you will be ingesting less fiber in the upcoming days. That lack of fiber can play a role in effecting your bowel regularity over the days leading up to procedure. You want to avoid your body becoming dehydrated.

3 Days Prior: Engaging in a low-fiber diet becomes key. Avoiding certain foods will help ensure that your colon will be clear by the day of your procedure. Foods to avoid include:

• High Fiber Foods: Grains, raw fruits and vegetables, beans, lentils, seeds , popcorn are some examples.

• Fatty/Greasy Foods: Fried foods, red meat, and Sauces with a high fat content need to be avoided in order to ensure a successful prep drink.

• Dairy Products: Milk, cheese and ice cream are examples of foods that could leave a residue within your colon.

Foods to include as part of your diet are:

• Refined Grains: Examples include bread, pasta, and white rice

• Lean Protein: Fish, eggs, poultry

• Cooked/Canned Fruits & Vegetables: Fruits without skins or seeds, well-cooked vegetables with no skins

• Clear Liquids: Water, clear broth, clear fruit juices

1 Day Prior:

• Clear Liquids Only: Water, clear broth, or clear juices. These final steps are critical to ensure that you have a clean colon and to help detect any polyps. Avoid any liquids that have red or purple dyes. These dyes can stain the colon and interfere  with the process.

Day of the Colonoscopy: Ingest NO food or liquid by mouth. Typically, you will receive guidance from your doctor on how many hours prior to your colonoscopy you should stop taking any liquids.

Bowel Prep for Colonoscopy: What to Expect

In addition to the dietary restrictions mentioned above, you will also receive guidance on a bowel preparation or “prep”. This includes:

• Laxative: This is usually either in pill, powder, or liquid form. The laxative will cause loose stools/diarrhea to clean out your colon.
• Timing:  Your doctor will provide guidance as to when and how much laxative needs to be taken. The timing usually occurs 1-2 days before the procedure.
• Stay Home: Since you will be suffering diarrhea, it is best to stay at home and near a toilet.
• Other Medications: Some of your current medications may interfere with the process and may need to be adjusted. Discuss with your doctor what adjustments you may need in your diet to avoid rescheduling your procedure.

Transportation, Time Management, and Comfort Tips for Procedure

Proper preparation goes beyond dietary adjustments and bowel prep—it’s also about ensuring your procedure day runs smoothly. Here’s what you need to know to stay organized and comfortable throughout the process.

Transport

Since the procedure will involve some level of sedation, you will need a friend or family member who can drive you home after your procedure. You will not be allowed to drive yourself, nor will you be allowed to take a rideshare or other transit without a trusted person who can provide you assistance if you become faint, ill or confused.

Schedule Time Off

Plan to take at least two full days off—one for preparation and one for the procedure. The day before your procedure will involve following a strict diet and taking bowel prep medication, which requires frequent trips to the bathroom. This can make it challenging to focus on work or other responsibilities.

On the day of your procedure, you’ll need time to attend the appointment, recover from sedation, and rest at home. Avoid scheduling any important meetings, errands, or physical activities during this time. If possible, arrange for additional support at home, especially if you feel fatigued or experience mild side effects like cramping or bloating.

Comfort Tips

• Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your procedure.
• Stay Warm: Bring a light sweater or blanket to keep cozy during your procedure, as clinics can sometimes feel chilly.
• Relaxation Aids: If you feel nervous, consider bringing a calming item like a stress ball or headphones with soothing music or podcasts to help you relax while you wait.
• Minimal Accessories: Avoid wearing jewelry or complicated clothing with multiple layers, buttons, or belts that could add discomfort during or after the procedure.
• Bathroom Readiness: If your procedure prep involves frequent bathroom visits, keep soft toilet paper or flushable wipes on hand to minimize irritation.
• Hydration: Bring a bottle of water (if allowed post-procedure) to stay hydrated and comfortable after the procedure.

Simplify Your Colonoscopy Journey

A colonoscopy is an important screening to ensure that you are free of colon cancer. For many people aged 45 or older, a colonoscopy should be considered a standard part of their care. Unfortunately, for those who are uninsured or are a self-pay patient, accessibility to this care can be difficult. At ColonoscopyAssist, we provide access to over 1000 gastroenterologists nationwide, to ensure ease of scheduling and low upfront and transparent pricing.

For those with high-deductible insurance, ColonoscopyAssist is an important resource in getting them the care they need at a manageable cost.

Final Thoughts

As a colonoscopy patient, you play an active and important role in preventing colorectal cancer. Without engaging in the proper diet and the needed preparation, including the prep drink, your colonoscopy cannot occur. Your colon must be clean for the gastroenterologist to be able to do their work. If the process was not done properly, the procedure will be canceled, and the process will have to start over for a new appointment.

At ColonoscopyAssist, we are your ally in helping you get the screening you need at an upfront and convenient cost that you can afford.

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