Question / Colonoscopy Prep

[hammer1 1]

I am scheduled for a colonoscopy in 6 days, I have to drink this "cleanout / laxative" type substance (Trilyte 1 gal.) the day before the procedure. The nurse at the Colonoscopy Center told me I didn't need to get my band unfilled in order to drink it, but I thought I would ask you folks for your opinions. I am supposed to drink an 8 oz glass every 15 minutes until the gallon is gone.

Thoughts? :tongue_smilie:

Hammer

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Can you drink that? I could...

I wouldn't want to get an unfill for something liquid like that.

[Jillbeme65 1]

I recently had a colonoscopy they said that I didn't need to drink as much as everyone else because of the band... sorry to be so blunt... they told me to drink it until my bm was clear... hope this helps

[Sue Magoo 71]

Hammer:

There are different options other than this 1 gallon liquid preparation. There are other options - one with alot less liquid to swallow. There's a pill option too, along with alot of Water. Please call the doctor's office and explain that you are banded and that drinking anything in that kind of quantity will be an issue for you. Ask them if you can do an alternative preparation.

Good luck.

Sue

[Beachcomber3 0]

I am scheduled for a colonoscopy in 6 days, I have to drink this "cleanout / laxative" type substance (Trilyte 1 gal.) the day before the procedure. The nurse at the Colonoscopy Center told me I didn't need to get my band unfilled in order to drink it, but I thought I would ask you folks for your opinions. I am supposed to drink an 8 oz glass every 15 minutes until the gallon is gone.

Thoughts?

Hammer

How did you make out? I just got my instructions and although I explained I was banded, the doctor gave me a 2 liter prep. I am so afraid of it. What did you end up using?

I will ask my lapband doctor on my next visit to see if he has any other suggestions. My procedure is scheduled for April so I have some time to possibly find an alternative.

Edited February 28, 2009 by Beachcomber3
punctuation

[julia19642 0]

Just my 2 cents worth, as a non-bander (YET)....I had a colonoscopy last week, and because artificial sweeteners give me massive headaches, my alternative was taking 65 capsules (of pure magnesium sulfate). It sure did the trick, but i'm not sure if i'd be wanting to choke down that many pills in a 3 hour period after i'm banded.

:thumbup:

Those were the only two options i was given. Yuck, i think i'm going for the liquid headache next time.

[Beachcomber3 0]

Years ago I had to drink Golytely and ended up vomiting during the prep. I called the surgeon and told him and he told me to come in anyway. Unfortunately, the prep failed and the procedure was not a success. The thought of drinking the HalfLytely makes me want to gag. Was your prep over the counter or a prescription?

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Seriously once you've healed (no more swelling) even with good restriction you should be able to drink the prep, and do that much more easily than taking a ton of pills. It isn't FUN, but you've most likely been through a lot worse.

If you had to drink something before your surgery (for example I had to drink magnesium citrate) the colonoscopy prep is similar...just more of it. I didn't LOVE it but it was do-able.

[Beachcomber3 0]

I am such a baby when it comes to drinking that stuff. I gag just thinking about it. I guess I will do what I have to do......

[julia19642 0]

My alternative to drinking was 65 capsules. Talk about gagging. I had to take 5 large capsules every 15 minutes until it was all finished. I'm definitely going for the liquid next time, even though it has artificial sweeteners in it that give me a headache. I could hardly choke down the last 20 pills i was gagging so much on them. It's not a route that i'd recommend, BUT, ya gotta do what feels best for YOU.

The only thing is....with pills OR the liquid, you still have to drink plenty of Water. Some people get so dehydrated from the 'prep' (liquid bm's for hours on end) that it effects their kidneys. So either way...make sure that you have the recommended Water to go with it.

[bambam 0]

I had a colonoscopy 1 year ago and a followup sigmoidoscopy in January. I have another colonoscopy in 3 years. I told my GI doc I was being banded in March and asked about the prep when I need another colonoscopy in 3 years. He told me I would likely not need as much and that I could spread it out over a longer period of time. I just need to remind his office at that time so I get directions specific for my band. There are other options available (less prep, spreading it out, other meds, etc), just talk with the doctor.