The rigorous preparation suggested is optimal since the quality of the examination is crucially dependent on the level of cleansing. However, for some people drinking 2 gallons of PEG may impossible. In that case, drinking 1 gallon split with 1/2 gallon the previous evening after 4PM and the last half a gallon the morning of the procedure with GasX pills is the next best option.
If even this is not possible, there are other "easier" preparations available. Despite claims by their proponents they do not clean as well as the more rigorous methods we recommend. We have listed these below because any colonoscopy is often better than not doing a colonoscopy.
LOW RESIDUE DIET
A low residue diet consists of low levels of fiber intake, which will minimize stool output
Allowed:
Two cups of milk a day.
Fruit juices without pulp, canned fruit, ripe bananas and apple sauce. Vegetable juice without pulp, cooked asparagus, beats, green beans, spinach, seedless tomatoes, eggplant, and baked squash without seeds. White breads and rolls, plain bagels, biscuits, white rice, pasta, tortillas, potatoes without skin, cream of wheat, instant oatmeal, cold cereals such as corn flakes, rice krispies, and cheerios. Ground or well-cooked meats including tender beef, lamb, ham, pork, poultry, organ meats and fish. Eggs and cheese. Jellies without seeds, cookies without nuts, plain cake, plain donuts, and sherbet.
Not Allowed:
Prunes and prune juice, fresh fruit such as apples, oranges, grapefruit, figs, pineapple, grapes, pears, peaches, dates, and all berries. All raw vegetables, any vegetables with seeds, dried beans, peas, and corn. Whole grain breads, rolls, and bagels, brown rice, bran cereals, and any baked product with nuts or seeds. Tough, fibrous meats with gristle. Popcorn, jams with seeds, nuts, seeds, coconut, crunchy peanut butter.
CLEAR LIQUID DIET
A clear liquid diet consists of liquids you can see through.
Allowed:
Water, Clear broth (beef or chicken), Gatorade or other clear sport drinks (regular, with sugar) Carbonated drinks, including dark sodas like cola, root beer, Tea or coffee (without milk or cream) Gelatin (without fruit), Popsicles (without fruit or cream), Italian ices, hard candy, Clear fruit juices without pulp (apple, grape, cranberry). You may use salt, pepper, and sugar
Not allowed:
Milk, cream, milkshakes, smoothies, Soup (other than clear broth) Oatmeal, cream of wheat, grits. All ice cream, gelato. Orange, grapefruit, or tomato juice; fruit nectars
The videos below will give you a sense of what a Colonoscopy entails. Please note that some information in the videos may vary slightly from what Dr. Ravi has outlined above. In that case, please follow Dr. Ravi's instructions exactly.