Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
How Long Before A Colonoscopy And Endoscopy Should Food Intake Be Avoided?
Question: I have a colonoscopy and endoscopy scheduled for tomorrow. I am an athletic person with a high metabolism and let's just say I never keep food in my system longer than 12 hours. Especially in consideration of the laxative prep that I am scheduled to take this evening, realistically, at which point must I call off the solid food? the procedure is for 11 am, and I am having an awful time getting ahold of a nurse or doctor to answer my questions.
Brief Answer:
clear liquids day before and stop using anything 8 hours before endoscopy
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Once food is ingested, the body would extract what it needs to function and the rest of it would remain in the digestive tract from expulsion via the stool.
Since you have a high metabolism, the essential nutrients may be extracted and utilized quicker but particles or remnants would still remain in the stomach and intestines for expulsion.
The presence of any significant remnants would prevent the doctor from being able to see the gut properly and they would not be able to determine if there are any problem areas.
This is the reason only a clear diet is allowed the day before colonoscopy.
Since they also need to see the esophagus, stomach and duodenum for the endoscopy- you would need to stop using anything at least 8 hours before the test.
You can use high energy clear sport drinks if you are concerned regarding any weakness that may occur, these are allowed.
Clear soups, broths, clear juices/soft drinks, jello are also allowed.
Summary: (1) your high metabolism would mean essential nutrients extracted quicker and meals broken down but remnants still remain in the gut
(2)if any are present, then the doctor would not be able to see clearly
(3)clear liquids today and all liquids discontinued at least 8 hours before endoscopy
I hope this helps , feel free to ask any other questions
clear liquids day before and stop using anything 8 hours before endoscopy
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Once food is ingested, the body would extract what it needs to function and the rest of it would remain in the digestive tract from expulsion via the stool.
Since you have a high metabolism, the essential nutrients may be extracted and utilized quicker but particles or remnants would still remain in the stomach and intestines for expulsion.
The presence of any significant remnants would prevent the doctor from being able to see the gut properly and they would not be able to determine if there are any problem areas.
This is the reason only a clear diet is allowed the day before colonoscopy.
Since they also need to see the esophagus, stomach and duodenum for the endoscopy- you would need to stop using anything at least 8 hours before the test.
You can use high energy clear sport drinks if you are concerned regarding any weakness that may occur, these are allowed.
Clear soups, broths, clear juices/soft drinks, jello are also allowed.
Summary: (1) your high metabolism would mean essential nutrients extracted quicker and meals broken down but remnants still remain in the gut
(2)if any are present, then the doctor would not be able to see clearly
(3)clear liquids today and all liquids discontinued at least 8 hours before endoscopy
I hope this helps , feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
