What Can I Expect with a Colonoscopy?
Many people delay a lifesaving colonoscopy because they don’t know what to expect. Our team walks you through each step to help you have the best possible experience.
Colonoscopy prep
Preparing for your colonoscopy is an essential part of the process because it allows our doctors to clearly see the large intestine. We answer your questions and walk you through each step to minimize any stress or concern about prep.
In general, your prep involves:
Low-residue diet
A few days before your colonoscopy, you will eat only low-residue foods like white bread and pasta, chicken, fish, and fruits and vegetables without skins. We provide you with a complete list of foods to take the guesswork out of this step.
Clear liquid diet
You switch to a clear liquid diet the day before your procedure. This step ensures that nothing remains in your colon for your screening. Water, clear juices without pulp, and broth are a few examples.
Prep solution
Our team prescribes a special solution you drink, which triggers your bowel to empty. After you drink this solution, you’ll likely feel most comfortable if you can stay at home near a restroom.
Day of your colonoscopy
Our team will ask you to stop all food and clear liquids several hours before your procedure. Because you will receive sedation, a family member or friend must drive you to and from your procedure.
When you arrive, we guide you back to a prep area, where you change into a gown and lie on a hospital bed. Our anesthesiologists provide sedation or anesthesia to help you feel relaxed and comfortable. Once you are ready, we take you into the endoscopy suite. The procedure usually takes 1 hour or less, but it may take longer if you have many polyps.
Colonoscopy recovery
After your procedure, we take you to a recovery area to gradually wake up. You will feel drowsy for most of the day and should not drive.
Some patients experience bloating or minor discomfort in the hours after their procedure, but this is usually minor. Our team will let you know when to resume normal activities, but most people can return to work or school the next day.
