Your Endoscopy

Keeping It Simple

Our experienced anesthesia professionals and staff members have helped tens of thousands of patients prepare for GI endoscopies and procedures. Below, you'll find our ideas on how to make your experience smoother and avoid delays, cancellations, or repeat procedures.

Getting Ready for Your GI Procedure: Step by Step

Important Note: If you have been referred to a medical specialist for further testing (cardiac stress test or heart cath, for example), we need to know if you have been “cleared” to have this procedure. Call us for guidance.

If you have visited the emergency room since your last visit with your endoscopy physician, let us know.

If you use extra oxygen during the day or at night, let us know.

1. One Week Before

  • Stop taking diet medications.

  • If you are on blood thinners, follow your doctor’s instructions or call us for clarification.

  • Don't worry about stopping regular medications. If you have questions, call us! We’ll advise which medications to continue and which to pause.

  • If your doctor requires you to take antibiotics before the procedure, contact their office to have them prescribed.

2. Three Days Before

Avoid foods that could make it harder for the doctor to see clearly during your procedure:

  • No seeds (found in breads or fruits)

  • No nuts

  • No corn

  • No popcorn

3. The Day Before

  • While a light breakfast before 10 AM is acceptable, starting a clear liquid diet is better.

  • Clear liquids are precisely those liquids you can see through.

  • Drink only clear liquids for the rest of the day. Good choices include:

    • Apple juice

    • Clear soda

    • Water

    • Clear broth

    • Popsicles (avoid red or purple)

    • Yellow or green Jello (avoid red or purple)

  • In the evening:

    • Begin drinking the prescribed bowel prep solution (if ordered by your doctor).

    • Stay near a bathroom.

    • Keep drinking clear liquids to stay hydrated.

4. The Morning of Your Procedure

  • No eating after midnight—you may drink clear liquids up to two hours before your procedure.

  • If you drink coffee, no cream, please.

  • If diabetic, clear sugary drinks are Ok if your blood sugar drops.

  • Take only the medications we advised, with a tiny sip of water.

  • Stop using tobacco and nicotine products at least six hours before the procedure begins.

  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.

  • If you use a rescue inhaler, bring it with you.

  • If you use a CPAP or BiPAP machine, you do not have to being it with you.

  • Bring someone to drive you home—you must have a responsible adult ( 18 years old +) with you.

  • Avoid wearing:

    • Jewelry

    • Nail polish

    • Contact lenses

  • If you use hearing aids, the one in your right ear can stay in.

  • You will be asked to remove your contact lens.

  • If you have dentures or partials, you will be asked to remove them before the procedure starts. This can be done just before the procedure begins. They will be replaced in the recovery area before you see your driver.

Important Reminders:

  • You MUST have someone to drive you home.

  • Call us if you feel sick or have a fever before your procedure.

  • Our contact number is: [Insert Phone Number]

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The information provided through our Site and social media channels is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. This content:

• Should not be interpreted as personalized medical advice
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• May not be complete, up-to-date, or applicable to your individual circumstances

Medical decisions should only be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals who are familiar with your specific medical history, circumstances, and needs. Your healthcare provider can evaluate your individual situation, perform necessary examinations, and provide personalized medical advice.

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