Colonoscopy Prep

I lost over a half pound of actual weight. I did not feel like stuffing myself after it and even the next day I had a little less than normal appetite. Then it returned to normal the day after that. But only normal - not a ravenous appetite. I was still in loss mode then so I just took the loss and didn't try to make up for it. It's okay to have a really low calories day sometimes, just not frequently.

I have had a number of colonoscopies now. The prep isn't fun. My tip is to drink as much water as you can while doing the prep. Otherwise, you can end up dehydrated. Pooping clear liquid is definitely an interesting experience first time around.

I have no idea of how much weight I lost because of the prep as I didn't even own scales before my last one. It will be interesting to read your results.

I wouldn't worry about embarrassing questions while being partially sedated as there is not much time between when you have the medication and when you are out like a light. Besides, I am sure they have heard it all before. In saying that, they didn't quite give me enough anesthetic the first time around and, although I couldn't respond in any way I was aware of what was happening and saw the images on the screen and the camera progressed up my intestines. It was rather cool really.

They also used to pump you full of air during the procedure which meant that you farted like no tomorrow afterwards but they don't do that any more, at least not my gastroenterologist.

Good luck. I hope they don't find any nasties.

I’ve never had one but may get to do it soon due to other health issues I’m having even though I am not of that age. I used to design anesthesia equipment a long time ago and I can assure you that you don’t have to worry about saying anything you’d be embarrassed by and be able to remember it later. These people are professionals and I heard it all before anyway and will not embarrass you even if something happens. They want you to come back both for the good of your health and their practice.

I have to get them every 5 years, and I've never had a bad experience (well, except for the prep). Just doing my bit to encourage people to stay current with the procedure - colon cancer is one of the most curable cancers if caught early.

I had my first one a few months ago (female, age 40) to rule out some other issues. I gotta say, I had no issues with prep. It was a little weird but not painful like if you have diarrhea. Just more like - gotta go and it it comes out easy! Absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about! Docs are professionals and if anyone attempts to give you crap (lol) just tell ‘em it will be their turn soon enough!

Funny thing was they told me I would be out of it when the anesthesia wore off but I remember everything from the sec I woke up and even took a work call on my way home. I did go through Mickey D’s and wolfed down two double cheeseburgers the second I was out, though!!

peggym4640 wrote: »

Lillymoo01 wrote: »

I have had a number of colonoscopies now. The prep isn't fun. My tip is to drink as much water as you can while doing the prep. Otherwise, you can end up dehydrated. Pooping clear liquid is definitely an interesting experience first time around.

I have no idea of how much weight I lost because of the prep as I didn't even own scales before my last one. It will be interesting to read your results.

I wouldn't worry about embarrassing questions while being partially sedated as there is not much time between when you have the medication and when you are out like a light. Besides, I am sure they have heard it all before. In saying that, they didn't quite give me enough anesthetic the first time around and, although I couldn't respond in any way I was aware of what was happening and saw the images on the screen and the camera progressed up my intestines. It was rather cool really.

They also used to pump you full of air during the procedure which meant that you farted like no tomorrow afterwards but they don't do that any more, at least not my gastroenterologist.

Good luck. I hope they don't find any nasties.

I had this happen when I had a fibroid embolization several years ago. They finally put me all the way under because I kept asking questions and watching what they were doing on the screen. I envisioned being in the same state for the colonoscopy.

That seems like medical malpractice -- if you weren't in discomfort or pain and weren't agitated/moving, putting you all the way under was for their convenience and ensuring you didn't see if they did anything wrong, not for your medical benefit.

Do not make any alien abduction jokes. Seriously it would be bad .... Just saying' ... from personal experience.

I've never had a colonoscopy. Sounds terrifying. Some day I know I will have to... who would ever want to be a GI doctor?

peggym4640 wrote: »

So I do my prep for my first colonoscopy tomorrow with the procedure on Thursday. I'm fascinated by the whole process. I'm wondering how much waste / water weight I'll lose (and gain back on Friday) and if I'll ask embarrassing questions during the procedure while partially sedated. Anyone want to share any interesting stories and/or hints/tips with me?

I typically lose about 5-6 lb. by colonoscopy day, then put it back on over about 2 days. The procedure itself is super easy and the propofol they use these days is great, you don't wake up groggy or with a fuzzy brain.

Since tonight is the actual prep night, make sure you have aloe infused super soft wipes (baby wipes aren't soft enough) and Chux* on hand. The wipes for obvious reasons and the Chux so you sleep without fear of messing the bedding. Put one on any chair you sit on too. Wear a long T-shirt or short nightie to bed too.

(Chux is the original brand name for underpads if you didn't already know that)

hesn92 wrote: »

I've never had a colonoscopy. Sounds terrifying. Some day I know I will have to... who would ever want to be a GI doctor?

The colonoscopy itself is nothing. It's a well needed nap.

My tips for the prep are fire up your phone, tablet, laptop, a good book because there comes a point where you just won't want to leave the bathroom. I also mixed up the prep (I was given gavilyte) the night before, divided it into 8 16.9 oz plastic water bottles, and added powdered drink flavoring.

Also, you don't need to finish the prep once everything comes out clear and there aren't any...er...pieces.

Colonoscopies are definitely nothing to be scared of. The procedure is not bad at all. The prep isn't fun but worth it to know what's going on up there. I can't say I'm sad I never have to experience the prep again. Actually my last prep was my pre surgery one and I was doing housework during it (you know you gave Crohn's when).

Picosalax (picolax, etc) is definitely the best prep there is.

Oh and upper endoscopies also aren't bad. Just fasting beforehand. The worst part for me is the gross mouth spray they use to freeze your gag reflux. I'm going for my 4th one since march 2017 on monday (this one and the one before is/was to get a botox injection in my stomach).

Didn't lose weight. I don't know why. Surprisingly I did not feel hunger!
All I think I did during sedation is thanking like 100 times one of the nurses for being so good to me and comforting me. (She was actually really nice, holding my hand the whole time. I was in a lot of pain.) I get like that when under sedation or when drunk.