Yes, your doctor will send you a specific set of instructions on how to prepare on the days leading up to your procedure. There are different types of prep solutions, and each doctor may have a different preference. You can download them from our Resources page. 

Please stick with the solution that we asked you to take, even if your pharmacist says otherwise, unless there is a medical reason for switching.

For colonoscopy, you can have a light breakfast (white bread toast and eggs) on the day before your procedure. After that, you must follow a clear liquid diet until 3 hours before your procedure. For the 3 hours up until your procedure, you DO NOT drink or eat anything.

For gastroscopy, DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight. 

If you fail to follow these instructions, your digestive tract will become murky and hard to see during the procedure, which may cause your procedure to be rescheduled.

Gastroscopies last 10-15 minutes, while colonoscopies last 20-30 minutes. However, you should be prepared to spare around 2 to 3 hours for this visit. Sometimes, delays will occur due to uncontrollable factors regarding patients being treated before you. We appreciate your understanding and patience in this matter.

You will be given sedatives that will allow you to stay comfortable for the entire procedure, and usually will not remember anything from the procedure. You can also opt out of sedation, but you will experience heavy cramping sensations throughout the procedure as a result.

While most medication will not affect the procedure, there are some that need to be stopped or adjusted for the procedure. This information is on our preparation handsheet as well as our general instructions page.

• Insulin dosages will need to be adjusted.
• Blood thinners will need to be stopped. 
• Blood pressure medication is continued normally with a sip of water on the day of procedure.

Drink the solution slowly and take breaks as needed.

Please avoid nuts and seeds. Foods containing seeds may be consumed as long as all the seeds are removed.

Please let our clinic know if you use cannabis products.

The clear liquid diet consists of clear liquids that you drink the day before your procedure in order to prevent your bowels from becoming murky and reducing visibility during your procedure. Here are some examples of liquids you can take:

• Water 
• Clear juices such as apple and white cranberry 
• Gatorade (not red or blue) 
• Coffee and tea without milk or cream
• Clear broths such as chicken