Time to drop the "no eating" rule before a colonoscopy?

[question everything]

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/no-eating-rule-before-a-colonoscopy/

Colonoscopy patients typically have to forgo all solid foods and go on a clear-liquid diet while taking laxatives the day before their procedure. However, this new study found that those who ate a limited amount of low-fiber foods were happier and didn't suffer any negative effects during their exam.

In fact, their bowels were actually better prepared for the procedure than those of the patients who stuck to traditional clear-liquid diets, the researchers said.

(snip)

The clear liquid is designed to keep the colon clear during a colonoscopy. "Things that are hard or fibrous like seeds can clog the scope," explained Dr. Theodore Levin, chief of gastroenterology with Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Walnut Creek, Calif.

Enter the idea of a low-fiber diet. The concept is to allow patients to eat foods that aren't likely to stick around in the bowel and disrupt a physician's examination of the intestines.

In the new study, researchers assigned 83 patients to undergo a colonoscopy after a day on a clear-liquid diet or a day in which they were allowed to eat a small number of low-fiber foods like macaroni and cheese, yogurt, white bread, lunch meats and ice cream. The patients ate about 1,000 to 1,500 calories from a combination of fat, protein and carbohydrates.

The researchers found that more of the patients on the low-fiber diet were adequately prepared for a colonoscopy than those who took clear liquids only. And, those in the low-fiber group were less tired on the morning of the procedure. Also, 97 percent of those in the low-fiber group said they were satisfied with their diet compared to just 46 percent of those in the clear-liquid group.

(snip)

But why would those who ate food actually have clearer bowels? Eating "probably stimulates more bowel movements the day before the procedure," Samarasena said. "You've started the colon-emptying process with the food that you've been eating."

The study was small, but Samarasena said other research has produced similar results.

[leftofcool]

1. Not only no but hell no. Eating is the last thing I would do the day before mine

I appreciate the research but I think I will do what I always do.

[PJMcK]

3. Really, I agree

If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it.

This is an extremely important exam for both men and women. I encourage all DU readers over 40 years old to talk with their physician about this procedure and it's potential values. It doesn't hurt, gives you peace of mind and could save your life.

[leftofcool]

7. I get one every six months. Been cancer free for 11 years now

You are so right. Keep up with them, especially if you have had colon cancer like I did.

[840high]

8. When was your colon cancer. It's

been 2 years for me.

[PJMcK]

12. Glad to hear your healthy! (N/t)

[awoke_in_2003]

14. I had one several years ago

The wife thought it would be funny to schedule it on our 19th anniversary.

[scscholar]

2. Doctors like to make us miserable

Don't expect them to change their rules.

[NV Whino]

4. If that would eliminate that vile concoction that you drink, I'd be all for it.

[ThoughtCriminal]

9. Lemon-Lime Goat Spit

(As Dave Barry described it)

You think: Okay, just chug this down and get it over with. Not going to happen.

Medical research needs to harness the powers of super-science and meddle in God's domain if necessary, to eliminate that preparation.

[NV Whino]

11. Right.

We can put men on the moon, but we're stuck with lemon lime goat spit.

[awoke_in_2003]

15. My doctor

Had me take 2 Dulcolax, the Miralax, then a bunch of water.

[Worried senior]

16. Sure didn't work for

my sister-in-law, she had a terrible time trying to get emptied out.

[phylny]

5. My one word of advice for the day before for all who go through this necessary procedure:

VASELINE.

[Freddie]

6. It's one day FFS

DH has Crohn's and has a colonoscopy every other year so this is old hat for him, I was dreading my first one. Nowhere near as bad as I thought. His day-before routine:
Breakfast--hot tea, no milk
Lunch--2 cups (1 pkg prepared) non-red jello of your choice. I liked pineapple, tasted like a pineapple life-saver. Cup of hot chicken buillion. You're actually pretty full after this.
Dinner--same. Drink as much tea, water or sprite as you want all day until midnight.
When it's time to start drinking the dreaded prep stuff, make sure it's ice cold and chase each glassful with cold sprite to get the taste out of your mouth. Follow your doctors directions on how much to drink and how often, it's usually less than the prescription makes (thank god).

[Staph]

10. I'm having my first in a couple of weeks.

The procedure has changed slightly. The liquid diet still holds, and the nurse suggested a semi-liquid diet the day before the day before. But I'm taking a couple of pills (one at 2 pm and the next at 9), and then drinking ,two quarts of liquid (Crystal Light lemonade for me), a cup at a time, with the generic version of Miralax. I've had Miralax before, (though not in that quantity!), and it's tasteless.

This should be relatively easy. I like your food recommendations, though I've never had pineapple Jello!

[Paper Roses]

13. I can't imagine eating the day before, knowing you've got to drink that awful stuff.

It's not the procedure that hurts, it is the agony of the drink.

[Madam Mossfern]

17. New preparation

My doctor prescribed Prepopik for me - it's much more palatable and you only drink a couple of 8 oz glasses and then plenty of water. I was expecting horrible results as relayed by everyone I know who had a colonoscopy. It wasn't bad at all. Sure, I got tired of jello, but I don't think it was torturous at all. I think one of the key ideas is to modify your diet the day before you prep so you're not a slave to the bathroom as much.

The strange thing was the facility where the procedure was done - I felt like I was in a Sci-fi movie. Lots of people lined up in our own white curtained "rooms" waiting to go in. The worst part for me was getting the IV inserted (I have horrible veins), doc recommend that I request the anesthesiologist do it.

Piece of cake - I delayed doing this until I was 65 because I was so nervous about it. That was silly.

[dixiegrrrrl]

18. I have been told there is lots of gas after the procedure.

LOTS.

true?

[Madam Mossfern]

19. Heh

While I was in recovery, a nurse came by and told me to "let it out."
After one long 'toot'.....it was gone. I didn't even realize it was in there!

[CTyankee]

20. I was allowed white wine on my fast day. That was GOOD.

I actually slept very well that night...

[EduardYagudayev]

21. good

very interesting