Clear Liquid Diet--how Am I Going to "Function" at Work

I've had the procedure done too. I do remember that I didn't have to go 2 FULL days of a liquid diet. I would definitely go with soup and jello. You'll be amazed by how much it can actually fill you up. The sodium in soup is also good to help with light headedness. I would also go with the Special K protein drinks. I don't think this will hurt you any - it's not really a diet drink - there isn't a ton of protein in it. But like the other poster said - maybe check with your dr first to make sure it's fine. There are some other vitamin boosted powdered drinks out there - I believe I saw it at Sam's Club. If they are the colored drinks/juices you can't have - I would just dilute them with a lot of water. Make it fun for yourself and have popsicles or freezees of all different flavors. I'm not sure when you plan to do the "Go Lightly" or other product to clean out your system. That does suck and would be best to start when you are at home. It's just not fun. However, during the day when you are only drinking liquids - you'll probably just be fine - you'll be frequently urinating but it's no different than being pregnant. Having the colonoscopy and endoscopy the same day is what I did. I'm glad that I did them both too - the procedures are not all that long but the preparation was more of a hassle than anything. Just be ready to have a lot of "air" and bloating following the procedure. Not necessarily uncomfortable (afterwards) - just embarrassing. Having a good sense of humor is key. You'll get through everything just fine. I hope all goes well for you.

It won't be as difficult as you anticipate. If you mentally prepare for it, and remember to relax, it will be far easier. There are liquid vitamins you can buy at your local (or closest) food co-op, and then you can make sure to buy a really nice big cup for holding icewater at your desk. Icewater, when it's all you can really have, is so much tastier in a big comfy cup or mug, and with a straw. good luck!

M., I have a colonoscopy every year and it really is a mild procedure. The day before without food can be manageable if you follow the rules your dr gives you. Try drinking the warm broth and the jello. Both always help me. I normally can't tolerate jello but that day it tastes pretty good! Just remember not to make red or orange colored as it may appear like blood in your digestive system. Once you start the prep you won't even be hungry as it is very filling and you will feel a little bloated and not want to eat. I also hope all goes well for you, look at it this way, you get a great nap out of the deal when the drugs are administered! Best of luck!

I've had one and I must say I would take the prep day off work too. It is HARD to say the least and I did get terrible hungry. I can't imagine being in the health care field and having to try and concentrate in that state. It would be hard!

I would ask my GI doc about the protein shake that is suppose to be a clear liquid. Make sure s/he agrees with that statement. Just because someone else thinks you can have it doesn't mean it wouldn't interfere with the test. Worst thing would be to get inaccurate results or be sent home to do it another day because you ingested something you ought not to have.

Hey, I just went through this myself about a year ago. Is Jello allowed for you? I was not doing well with the clear liquid either. At one point I was having a bad low blood sugar moment (the shaking, crying out of control moment), so I called the urgent care nurse and asked her what the highest protein item was that was on my list. Surprisingly, it was the Jello. I then proceeded to eat an entire box of it (I had pre-made about 3 boxes) and was indeed feeling better afterwards. After this incident, I had a conversation about this with a girlfriend whose dad (who cannot stomach the texture of jello) & had been through the procedure, and she shared his solution. He mixed up the jello as per the box, but instead of chilling it, drank it.

I too had heard about the protein waters, but didn't have much luck finding them in the stores here, so I cannot advise on those, although it seemed like a really really good idea!

Good luck to you, and may your doc be as gentle as mine was!! He knocked me out and I dont' remember much of it at all, with NO discomfort afterwards :)

First of all, the prepping is the worst. But you'll be okay. I had a colonoscopy a few months ago. I'm a teacher, I have two very small children (one of which was exclusively breastfeeding at the time), I had had serious diarrhea for a week prior to the fasting, and then the date of the colonoscopy was moved later--in a nutshell, I ended up fasting (then being required to abstain from ALL fluids for 24 hours) for three days all while working, mothering, nursing, and pumping. It was not fun, and I felt like a zombie, but I made it. You will too.

For me it was a RELIEF to be put under for the procedure-- needed the rest and reprieve from the demands of life! It took several days before I felt semi-normal again. Be sure to REST afterwards and take care of yourself.

Good luck!

I have had a couple of protein drinks that are close to clear, the Special K drink being the easiest to find. But I urge you to call your doctors office and run this idea by them before you do it. You can also check on the broth and jello ideas, which seem like good ones to me. I'd hate to do all that prep the day before and then mess up the test by drinking something that isn't allowed. You can also find out about what to expect the day before with the "cleanser" and whether you will even want to be at work.

You do realize don't you that the day before your colonoscopy you will be sitting on the toilet many, many times as you "clean" out. I don't think you should go to work the day before. I didn't realize until I had mine earlier this year that you don't have much notice when you have to "go"! Just barely made it a few times and I wasn't very far from the bathroom. Just wanted to give you a word of warning. Good luck and I all goes well with you. I'll share a funny story with you that I heard after my procedure. A gal who was scheduled for the procedure went to the Dr. and got her "clean out" liquid and thought she would get a head start on it so started drinking it right away, on her way home and she lived over 60 miles away from the doctor's office. Needless to say, she had to stop quite a few times on the way home to take care of business along the road. It is a good thing we live in rural North Dakota to be able to do something like that!!!

Jello, chicken/beef broth, nothing red, orange or purple. I would not do a protein drink unless your MD approves it. You'll get through it. Good luck!