Food prep for colonoscopy

[marshallzumarubble]

Hello, I have to have a colonoscopy next week and just got my prep pack through the post. I was told about the drinks and the low fibre diet for two days before the procedure but my pack also says I need to follow a low residue diet for seven days before which basically means no fatty/processed meat/fish, no wholegrains, no pulses, and no fruit or vegetables.

Which seems like a long time!

I will follow it of course but wondered if anyone has been advised the same thing and if they had any go to meals for this time? I am thinking that white rice/pasta/skinless potatoes and cheese/chicken may get dull!

Can I add seasoning or herbs or garlic do you think?

Any tips or experiences very appreciated!

I’ve had loads of colonoscopies over the years (Crohns) and I’ve never been told to follow any diet except when I start taking the prep.

I had a colonoscopy in December and was only told to follow a low residue diet for two days before the procedure. It all went fine and there were no issues. Seven days seems like overkill to me.

I've had several and have only ever been advised to do that for either 24 or 48 days. Never 7. That seems excessive

I've had to do the 7 day low residue diet a couple of times. It's very boring. Fish pie is ok if there are no vegetables in the sauce. Macaroni cheese, plain roast chicken and boiled potatoes or rice.

Same here. Two days. I’d have found 7 really hard. FWIW, they complimented me on how clear everything was!

I was also told 2 days but looked at the forums for a colon disease charity (can't remember which) and a lot of users advised doing the diet for longer as it makes the whole clean out process less unpleasant. So that's what I did. Apart from the horrible drink, my cleansing process wasn't that uncomfortable.

Hospitals vary in their preparation instructions so you should follow it. If you google you will find lots of hospitals give slightly different instructions.
I did it last year. It is indeed very dull and counterintuitive if you normally eat a healthy diet. The lack of fruit and veg made it far worse.
I had a prep consultation with a nurse where I asked questions about what I could or couldn't eat. Onions were a big no, so I guess garlic would be as well.
basically if it's not beige and tasteless you can't eat it.

Thanks everyone! I'll be absolutely following it (sans garlic 😢) and that makes sense @ForPearlViper . Onwards with the bland week!!

Any other colonoscopy tips please send my way! A little scared, and not just by the potential lack of garlic and paprika!

Really the actual prep part was the worst. The diet and colonoscopy weren't pleasant but manageable.
You will need to be in or very near a bathroom for a few hours, 4 hours in my case, so make sure you are comfortable and no interruptions.

The prep was the worst thing. I camped out in my bathroom for the duration! As regards the colonoscopy itself, it was a bit uncomfortable to start with but after that it was fine. If they find any polyps they take them out there and then. If they offer you sedation take it🙂

Vaseline or sudocreme for your bottom when you're doing your prep.
A small one that you can chuck after, or decant some into another pot.