Colonoscopy Prep Hacks + The Ultimate Game Changer!

These colonoscopy prep hacks will help make the entire experience suck a little less. There’s no sugarcoating it. Colonoscopies aren’t fun, but they’re necessary and can save your life, something I’m grateful for every day as an oral cancer survivor. In this post, I’m sharing my tips for making the colonoscopy prep a little easier.

Why get a colonoscopy? You can’t fix a problem you don’t know is there, and early detection saves lives. Colonoscopies are the gold standard for detecting colorectal cancer and removing precancerous polyps. We’ll discuss some of the most commonly asked questions and concerns, such as whether a colonoscopy is painful, what to eat before a colonoscopy, nausea relief, and recovery after a colonoscopy, among others.

I’ve had several colonoscopies, so I’ve learned some things about making the process a little easier. The prep isn’t as bad as you’ve heard, but the procedure is over before you know it, and these colonoscopy prep hacks will help make it a little easier!

I survived tonsil cancer in 2023, and catching it early not only helped save my life but also impacted my treatment. Had my cancer gotten any worse, it could have been more challenging to treat, which is the case with any form of cancer. So, needless to say, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of early detection. A healthy lifestyle isn’t just diet and exercise. Getting yearly checkups and preventative tests is crucial for survival rates if something is found.

The number one reason most people refuse to get colonoscopies is because of the prep, but I don’t think it’s nearly as terrible as the internet makes it seem. You can do it, and these colonoscopy prep hacks will help.

Who Needs A Colonoscopy?

Everyone should start getting colonoscopies in their 30s. Colon cancer rates are on the rise in younger people, and early detection can save your life. You can’t see inside a colon, and imaging does not always catch small polyps and lesions. Whether you have a history of cancer or not, it is crucial to start getting colonoscopies in your 30s. The good news is that, unlike mammograms, you don’t need them as often. If you have a clear colonoscopy, you typically only need to undergo it every five years.

Colonoscopy Anxiety

• Whether you’re worried about the prep, the procedure itself, or waiting for the results, it’s normal to feel anxious. Typically, your doctor will speak with you or the person accompanying you right after the procedure, so if they do find or remove anything, you will know that before you leave. It’s also normal to have polyps removed. It doesn’t mean that they were cancerous. It’s precautionary. They are almost always benign, but can become cancerous, so you want them out. I had two precancerous polyps removed during my last procedure. Had I delayed my colonoscopy and waited five years, it could’ve turned into cancer. Get those colonoscopies!!

Colonoscopy Prep Hacks

• Your doctor will provide you with a list of instructions for the night of your prep and the days leading up to the procedure. I can’t tell you exactly what that is because every doctor who has performed a colonoscopy on me has given me a different set of instructions. For the sake of this post, I’ll focus on the 24 hours preceding your procedure, as that is likely to be the most challenging part of it. Let’s dive into my hacks for a smooth colonoscopy and some helpful tips!

Best Colonoscopy Prep?

• Most doctors will prescribe something called GoLYTELY, which is a chalky substance you have to drink throughout the night. It. Is. Terrible. I did it once and swore I’d never do it again. Ask your doctor to prescribe SUTAB. These are tablets that you take throughout the night, accompanied by a specified amount of liquid to drink. Unless you have a problem taking pills, these are so much easier. Insurance may not cover them, and I don’t care. My cost was $79 out of pocket, and that’s $79 well spent if it means I don’t have to drink the GoLYTELY.

What To Eat Before A Colonoscopy

• Every doctor is different. Some doctors require you to go on a liquid diet 48 hours before your procedure, while others only need 24 hours, which has been my experience. In the days leading up to your procedure, focus on easy-to-digest foods. These foods are gentle on the digestive system and leave minimal waste in the colon, making your prep night easier. A low-residue diet and smaller meals help with your colonoscopy prep. The less you have to begin with, the more effective your prep will be. I’ve provided a brief list of the foods I ate below.

Easy To Digest Foods

• Skinless chicken or turkey breast (baked or boiled)
• Whitefish (like cod, tilapia, or sole)
• Eggs (boiled, scrambled, or poached)
• Tofu (plain, soft or silken)
• White rice, white bread, white pasta, plain white bagels
• Plain, non-seeded crackers like saltines
• Potatoes without skin – limit butter
• Quality Greek yogurt & cottage cheese
• Hard cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella)
• Cooked fruits and veggies without the skin (raw bananas are fine)
• Pancakes and waffles made with white refined flour (no fiber)
• Creamy nut butter – not chunky (NO nuts or seeds like flax or chia)

What To Drink Before A Colonoscopy

Regardless of the prep you’re prescribed, you will be instructed to drink a lot. It helps to drink flavored drinks, which can help with nausea. Limit sugary beverages that will spike your blood sugar and make you feel hungrier. 

• Bone broth. Of all the colonoscopy prep drinks I’ve tried over the years, bone broth is the ultimate game changer, hence the title of this post. My last colonoscopy was in June 2024, and it was the first time I was told I could have bone broth. Unlike regular broth and stock, bone broth is packed with protein, which helps keep you full. Not to mention, bone broth is incredibly nutritious, rich in collagen, vitamins, and minerals, and very healing for your entire digestive tract. There are dozens of brands to choose from. I suggest choosing a couple of different varieties to enjoy different flavors.
• Flavored electrolyte drinks. A variety of flavors helps when and if you feel queasy, and the added electrolytes will help replenish what you are losing.
• Ginger ale. It hits the spot when you feel queasy. If you don’t like ginger ale, any low-sugar carbonated beverage is fine.
• Hot tea. Hot tea is fantastic because the flavor variations are literally endless. Some teas are dark in color, and you may be told to avoid those, but with literally hundreds of choices at the grocery store, you should be able to find an herbal tea that works for you. I LOVE this peach and ginger calm stomach tea!

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Quick Hacks For A Successful Colonoscopy Prep

• Sugary drinks on an empty stomach can make you feel nauseous. I would limit them.
• Ask for anti-nausea medicines in advance of the procedure. Zofran is an actual miracle.
• Take Gas-X tablets after starting your clear liquid prep. It helps with the gas, which can be painful.
• You can eat gummy bears as long as they’re not red or purple. Be sure to get approval from your doctor.
• Clear popsicles can feel like a treat. Avoid any colors provided in your colonoscopy prep instructions.
• If you can’t get SUTAB and you are prescribed GoLYTELY, chase each dose with something that tastes good!
• Straws can help get liquids down, especially when you’re feeling nauseous.
• Soft toilet paper is a must and can help prevent irritation from frequent bathroom trips.
• Baby wipes are specifically designed for sensitive skin, helping to alleviate irritation. 
• You’ll be up all night, so wear something comfortable and easy to get on and off.
• A heating pad can help with stomach cramping. It also just feels good!
• A thick, padded mat is helpful if you have to stay near the toilet.
• Read whatever you like to pass the time in between bathroom trips and drinking more liquids.
• Walk around the house for five minutes every time you drink another dose of prep. Slow and gentle exercise can stimulate the bowels, leading to a more successful preparation. It can also help reduce nausea. I got on my treadmill several times throughout the night.

Set everything up and have it ready to go. I had to start my prep at 7 PM the night before my procedure. I had everything I needed (and thought I might need) set out and ready to go. You’ll be grateful you did this at 2 o’clock in the morning when you’re exhausted, and it’s time to take another dose.

Have The Right Mindset

• When you’re exhausted and feeling like you’ve had enough, remind yourself why you’re doing it. In the grand scheme of things, this isn’t the worst thing you’ll ever go through. You are taking steps to protect your health. Mindset is everything, and it really does help you get through your prep!

Expect To Not Sleep

• Between having to drink every 30 minutes to an hour and constantly using the bathroom, you aren’t going to get much sleep. Don’t bother fighting it, or it will only frustrate you further. Find things to do that pass the time. For some people, that’s reading, and for others, it’s mindlessly scrolling through social media. Give yourself permission to do that all night long if that’s what you have to do to get through the night quickly. When I scroll through TikTok, hours pass without me even realizing it.

Can I Drive After A Colonoscopy?

• You will not be able to drive. You should wake up from anesthesia quickly, and you may even feel like you could drive (I usually do). However, the facility is not legally allowed to let you, so you will either need someone to pick you up or call a rideshare service.

Can I Eat After A Colonoscopy?

• Again, every doctor is different. Some say eat what you want, while others suggest easy-to-digest food for a day or two. You’ve cleaned your entire colon and stripped away all the beneficial bacteria, which are essential for proper digestion. I recommend staying on the same low-residue diet for at least 24 hours after your procedure.

What To Expect After A Colonoscopy

• Take a deep breath and be proud of yourself. You deserve it! If they remove anything, you’ll be notified when the pathology results are available.

What If I Have A Bad Colonoscopy Prep?

• Your doctor will reschedule your procedure, and you will still be responsible for the cost of the one you just had, which is one of the reasons it’s essential to follow the rules and do everything you can to have a successful prep.

Please get your colonoscopies, and don’t let your doctor tell you that you don’t have to until you’re 50 years old. That is an old recommendation, and new recommendations are that people should get them much younger, especially with colon cancer on the rise in younger people. If your doctor refuses, advocate for yourself. If they still refuse, consider finding another doctor or consulting your primary care physician.

And when you do, you will get through it, and these colonoscopy prep hacks will help you!