What dietary preparation is recommended before a colonoscopy scheduled for this coming Friday, starting from today, Sunday?

Optimal Dietary Preparation for Colonoscopy

For optimal colonoscopy results, follow a split-dose bowel preparation regimen with dietary modifications limited to the day before the procedure, using low-residue foods for early meals on Thursday followed by clear liquids in the evening. 1

5-Day Preparation Timeline (Sunday to Friday)

Sunday through Tuesday (3-5 days before)

• Continue your regular diet
• Stay well-hydrated with at least 2 liters of water daily
• No special dietary restrictions needed at this stage

Wednesday (2 days before)

• Continue normal diet but avoid high-fiber foods:
  • No raw vegetables
  • No seeds, nuts, or legumes
  • No whole grains
  • No popcorn

Thursday (1 day before)

• Morning and Midday Meals: Low-residue/low-fiber diet 1

  • Allowed foods:
    • White bread, pasta, and rice
    • Eggs
    • Skinless chicken or fish (baked or grilled)
    • Cheese
    • Yogurt (without seeds or fruit pieces)
    • Gelatin (highly recommended) 2
    • White potatoes without skin
  • Foods to avoid:
    • Red meat and poultry (shown to negatively affect preparation quality) 2
    • Vegetables of any kind
    • Fruits with seeds or skins
    • Whole grain products
    • Nuts, seeds, and legumes

• After 2:00 PM: Switch to clear liquids only 1

  • Allowed clear liquids:
    • Water
    • Clear broths
    • Coffee/tea (no milk or creamer)
    • Clear juices without pulp (apple, white grape)
    • Sports drinks (not red or purple)
    • Clear sodas
    • Gelatin (not red or purple)
    • Popsicles (not red or purple)

Friday (Day of Colonoscopy)

• Continue clear liquids only
• Stop all liquids at least 2 hours before your procedure 1

Bowel Preparation Medication

• Split-dose regimen (strongly recommended for best results) 1

  • First dose: Thursday evening (approximately 6:00 PM)
  • Second dose: Friday morning, starting 4-6 hours before your colonoscopy time and completing at least 2 hours before the procedure 1

• Follow the specific instructions provided with your prescribed bowel preparation medication (typically polyethylene glycol-based) 3

Important Tips for Success

• Drink each portion of the preparation solution within 1-2 hours
• Stay near a bathroom after beginning the preparation
• Continue drinking clear liquids between doses to prevent dehydration
• Refrigerating the solution or drinking through a straw may improve palatability
• Consider adding simethicone to reduce bubbles during the procedure 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Inadequate fluid intake: Dehydration can occur during preparation; drink plenty of clear liquids
• Poor timing of preparation: Complete the second dose at least 2 hours before the procedure
• Continuing high-fiber foods too close to procedure: This significantly reduces preparation quality
• Consuming red or purple liquids: These can stain the colon and be mistaken for blood
• Stopping the preparation early: Complete the entire preparation even if your stool appears clear

Following these guidelines will help ensure an adequate bowel preparation, which is crucial for detecting polyps and other abnormalities during your colonoscopy. Inadequate preparation may result in missed lesions and the need to repeat the procedure sooner than would otherwise be necessary 1.