Patient Instructions: Preparing for Your Colonoscopy
To prepare for a colonoscopy, proper bowel preparation is essential to clear your colon effectively. Your GILC provider has prescribed bowel prep medication, which has been sent to your pharmacy. Carefully following these instructions ensures your colon is thoroughly cleansed, allowing your doctor to perform a clear and accurate examination while reducing the likelihood of needing to repeat the procedure. If you have any questions regarding the bowel preparation or the procedure, don't hesitate to contact us at 657-900-4536.
What to expect from the colonoscopy bowel preparation
The bowel prep is designed to cause diarrhea. Responses to the bowel prep vary - some people may experience diarrhea within an hour, while others may take a few hours. Be patient and continue drinking the solution as directed, even if the effects are delayed.
It is recommended to stay home and remain close to a bathroom during this time. It’s normal to experience bloating, nausea, or abdominal discomfort—these symptoms are expected and not a cause for concern.
Your prep is effective if your bowel movements become clear enough to see the bottom of the toilet. However, it’s crucial to finish the entire prep solution, even if your stool is clear. It’s normal to see small flecks of material or a yellowish color, which comes from bile and won’t interfere with the procedure.
Bowel preparation options
Bowel prep medication options vary, and it’s important to follow the specific medication prescribed by your doctor. The following bowel prep medications are commonly used for colonoscopy preparation: SUTAB®, MoviPrep®, SUFLAVE®, Suprep®, and GoLYTELY®.
The instructions are available in English and en Español.
Please note, if your bowel is not clean when you arrive for the procedure, your procedure may be canceled!
Transportation
On the day of the procedure, you will not be able to drive. Plan to have a family member or friend drop you off and pick you up. You can arrange medical transport with your insurance company in advance to ensure safe transportation home. If you do not have a ride planned, your procedure will be rescheduled for your safety. You should not drive a car, operate machinery, return to work, drink alcohol, or make any legal decisions after your procedure until the following day.
Policies
Gastrointestinal and Liver Consultants encourage you to investigate your insurance coverage, benefits prior, and any co-pays to having your procedure.
We understand that there are times when you must miss a scheduled procedure due to unexpected issues and/or obligations for work or family. However, when you do not call to cancel or reschedule, you may be preventing another patient from getting much-needed treatment. Conversely, the situation may arise where another patient fails to cancel, and we are unable to schedule a procedure for you due to a seemingly “full” appointment book.
If a procedure is not canceled or rescheduled at least 2 business days in advance of your appointment you will be charged a $125 fee.
This fee will not be covered by your insurance company.