Colonoscopy Coming Up? Here’s How to Prep Like a Pro

Being told you need a colonoscopy? Don’t panic – it sounds a bit scary, but it’s actually a pretty common and important test. It helps doctors spot early signs of bowel issues, including cancer.

The secret to a smooth and successful colonoscopy? Good bowel prep. Here’s how to get your body ready, and why it really matters.

What Exactly Is a Colonoscopy?

In simple terms, it’s when a doctor uses a long, flexible tube with a camera to check the inside of your large bowel (colon). They’re looking out for:

• Bleeding
• Swelling or inflammation
• Polyps (small growths that can turn cancerous)
• Signs of bowel cancer

It usually doesn’t take long – but for it to work properly, your bowel needs to be squeaky clean.

Why You Need to Empty Your Bowel Properly

If there’s leftover food or waste in your bowel, it’s harder for the doctor to see clearly. That means they might miss something important – or worse, you’ll have to repeat the whole thing.

Think of it like washing your windscreen before a long drive. Clear view = safer journey.

Easy Prep Tips

1. Start Adjusting Your Diet – 3 Days Before

Switch to soft, low-fibre foods that are easier to digest.

Avoid These (High-Fibre or Gassy Foods):

• Wholegrain or multigrain bread
• Brown rice, red rice, oats
• Sayur-sayuran mentah (ulam-ulaman, salad, kangkung, bayam)
• Buah berserat tinggi atau berbiji seperti betik, nanas, jambu batu, tembikai
• Kacang, biji-bijian, popcorn
• Kuih berserat tinggi (e.g. lepat pisang, kuih lompang with shredded coconut)
• Any sambal or curry with visible spices or seeds

Eat instead:

• White rice or plain porridge (bubur kosong)
• White bread, plain crackers
• Sup ayam kosong (clear chicken soup)
• Steamed fish, grilled chicken breast, soft-boiled eggs
• Tofu or plain tauhu kukus

No sambal, no curry – keep it bland for now!

2. The Day Before: Only Clear Liquids After Dinner

Stick to:

• Plain water
• Clear apple juice or isotonic drinks (avoid red/purple)
• Tea or black coffee (no milk or creamer)
• Clear soups – like sup kosong

Stay away from anything cloudy, fizzy, or with pulp.

3. Take Your Bowel Prep (Laxative) Properly

You’ll be given a special drink to flush out your bowel. It works fast – so stay close to a toilet.

Tips to survive it:

• Chill it in the fridge
• Drink with a straw
• Take short breaks if you feel bloated
• Don’t rush – but do finish it

Follow the doctor’s instructions exactly.

4. Keep Drinking Fluids

Hydration helps the laxative do its job. Sip on clear liquids throughout the day. No red or purple drinks – they can confuse the test results.

5. Arrange a Ride

You can’t drive yourself home after the procedure (because of the sedation), so line up a friend or family member to take you home safely.

Final Word

Prepping for a colonoscopy isn’t anyone’s idea of fun – but it’s a small effort for something that could literally save your life.

A clean bowel = better visibility = more accurate results. Catching issues early means simpler treatments and a healthier you.

So take a few days, follow the plan, and you’ll be doing your future self a big favour