Your Colonoscopy Cheat Sheet- How to Prep, What to Eat & Drink, and What to Expect

If you're in your 40s, the dreaded colonoscopy is likely something you've thought about, and I'm guessing your doctor has brought it up. Doctors have seen an increase in recent years in colorectal cancer rates in younger people. So the new recommended age for colon cancer screenings is 45. If you have something going on down there, you won't necessarily have symptoms. So it's a good idea to get it checked out.

The best way to test for colorectal cancer? Well, it's to take a look inside. That isn't the part people dread. You'll be knocked out for the procedure (and it's arguably the best nap you'll get as an adult). The doctor will place a small camera right up in there and make sure everything looks healthy. If they find something concerning, they remove it, or take a sample while they're in there. But a doctor can't do this if its...um, well...full. Hence, the prep.

Colon cancer is not to be messed with. I can't think of many other ways that would be worse to go. Yes, the prep for the test isn't a party. But it's not the end of the world - you've survived much worse. And early detection makes this one of the more preventable cancers out there. Plus there are a few silver linings with the colonoscopy: 1) you'll feel skinny and lose a few pounds (it's temporary, but still), 2) you'll get one of the best naps you've had as an adult, and 3) you're taking care of yourself and preparing for a healthier future (your family will thank you). Listen, this is a few days of discomfort and totally something you can do. And because you follow Babble, you're going to have a leg up (literally??) on those other patients cleansing the system.

Why Are We Babbling About This?

Most of our Babble panel, and many in our Babble community are right around that magical age of 45, so a lot of us have recently had our first colonoscopies. And we all thought, "There has got to be a cheat sheet to this! People do this all the time!" (Side note: my doctor said they perform about 60-90 colonoscopies per day in their practice - you are not alone in this.)

Also, fun fact! Babble's very own Brooke has unfortunately had more than her fair share of colonoscopies (~10) due to underlying medical issues since childhood (bleeding polyps, but not to worry, all is fine with early screening!). She's been giving out wise colonoscopy advice since before she graduated high school (and still working on setting up a frequent patient punch card.) So we feel like we can provide that much desired "cheat sheet."

The Prep

Colonoscopies are performed by gastrointestinal doctors (GI's for short). A healthy person with no family history or personal history of colorectal cancers, can go 10 years between colonoscopy screenings. (You can do this one thing every 10 years!) Different GI doctors have different prep instructions (even GIs in the same practice can vary). There are also special prep instructions for those who take diabetic or weight-loss medications, those prone to constipation....these doctors have a plan for everyone. With that being said, below is our cheat sheet to help get you through that prep.

The Cheat Sheet

The doc wants your system empty, but that doesn't mean you can't consume calories. They only allow "clear liquids" and nothing red or purple (or with red or purple dye) and no pulp - but you may be surprised what can still be included:

What To "Eat":

• Broth (bone broth is awesome so you get a little protein)

• Popsicles (no dairy or pulp) - pineapple is a favorite around here

• Lifesavers (suck, don't chew) and gum

• Gatorade! White (glacier?) flavor is a Babble favorite

• JELLO! Relive your childhood (or college days, minus the booze) and suck down as much jello as you'd like!

• Coffee, black (hey, I know...not everyone is a masochist and drinks it black, but at least you can get a few sips of that delicious caffeine pumping through your system)

• Sparkling waters like La Croix

• Lemon or lime wedges - suck on these after drinking prep solution (just like a tequila shot!) or use to "doctor up" your water drinks.

• Clear protein drinks, like the ones from Clean Simple Eats

• Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) - usually found in the fitness supplement aisle - these are fantastic!

What To Do Before:

• Schedule the first appointment of the day. The hardest part of the procedure is waiting while not being able to eat, and eventually drink anything. Just get up and get that shit done so you can be on your couch feeling skinny in between naps and Netflix sessions.

• Have on hand flushable wipes and ointments (your bottom is going to see more action than it's used to). Bonus points to all of you with a bidet. It pays for itself during this prep session alone.

• Chill your prep drinks and use a straw to make it more palatable.

• Follow your doctors instructions about what to wear to your procedure, but wear comfortable clothing especially cozy socks. Bring a small cozy blanket with you. Think of this as a beautiful little nap.

Post Procedure:

• You'll be STARVING once you leave the doctor's office. Try to remember that you're in your 40s now and cannot eat three cheeseburgers in 30 seconds and be okay. If you can, try to make smart food choices when picking those first food items to restart your system. (I say this from personal experience. That giant, greasy breakfast burrito was my whole world when I got out of my appointment, but it was too much rich food on a VERY empty stomach. I paid for that.)

• Lay on your left side when you get home (if necessary). You also may have some extra air trapped in there - sometimes the doctor blows air in there to help them see things more clearly during the procedure. Brooke found out after one of her colonoscopy procedures decades ago that your body more easily relieves itself of gas (farting) if you are on your left side. Just let them fly! The beauty? They aren't stinky because you are empty in there.

  • Most patients don't have any discomfort following the procedure. It will take a day or two to get your system back to "normal" but there isn't typically any pain or discomfort.

• Walk! Move your body as much as you can - that will help get your system moving again more normally.

Your Prep Starts Now!

Get everything you need to prep for your colonoscopy delivered straight to your door including the items mentioned above. Check out our Colonoscopy Prep List on Amazon. Your future self with thank you for this easy preparation to make the experience so much better.

Your "In-Prep Entertainment"

You're about to spend a good portion of your day or night just staring at the floor in your bathroom so here is something fun for you to focus on. Think about all these fun ways you could "bougie out your bathroom"! Honestly- what better time to make a couple of inexpensive purchases that will make your daily life so much better (and if this experience doesn't sell you on a bidet, I don't know what will.) Check out the Babble Panel's favorite ideas to elevate your bathroom space.

Who doesn't a love a good movie or TV show to distract them from real life. Check out Babble's latest watch recommendations from Streaming Sister:

And, lastly, escape into a great story. You always say you wish you had more time to read...

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Some of these may not work for you. You may also have other tricks you've tried, or something here may inspire you. If so, let us know! Colonoscopies aren't going away anytime soon. So we'll continue to update this list with the latest/greatest cheat codes we can find. You can do hard things. Babble is here to help.

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