FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: ARE THERE LESS EXPENSIVE ALTERNATIVES TO MY MEDICATION?
A: Possibly, But first you will need to contact your insurance company and ask what the preferred medications are on your formulary. Each Insurance company is different and has their own formulary based upon your type of coverage.
Q: WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A CLEAR LIQUID DIET?
A: Anything you can see through such as: Sprite, Mt. Dew, Ginger Ale, Chicken Broth, Apple Juice, White grape juice, Jell-O and popsicles (No Red or Purples), coffee and tea (no creamer). The day of the procedure NO: Coffee or Tea, Alcohol is not included in clear liquid diets.
Q: WHY IS BOWEL PREP IMPORTANT?
A: Your bowel must be clean so that your doctor can thoroughly examine your colon. Many patients feel that the bowel prep is the most difficult part of a colonoscopy. But it is important that you do your best to fully complete the prep.
Q: WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF BOWEL PREP?
A: There are many types of bowel prep, such as: Golytely, Suprep, MiraLAX ® etc. Talk over what the best prep might be for you with your doctor. Remember the best prep is one you can finish. For the best results, the colon needs to be absolutely clear of stool. Poor preparation may require that the colonoscopy be repeated on another day so that important polyps will not be missed. Most preps begin with clear liquid diet prior to colonoscopy.
Q: WHAT DETERMINES THEY TYPE OF PREP I GET?
A: Your medical condition is an important factor in deciding which type of bowel prep is best for you. Please advise your doctor of any kidney or cardiac problems since some of the preps contain sodium phosphate and may have serious effects on the kidneys. Expense is also a factor.
Q: WHAT ARE THE COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF BOWEL PREP?
A: The type and severity of side effects differ among patients. They also vary with the product used. Some patients have nausea, vomiting, bloating or abdominal pain. Read over the instruction packet for more information on the bowel prep that you were given.
Q: WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE NAUSEA, VOMITING, BLOATING OR ABDOMINAL PAIN?
A: Discontinue drinking the prep for 15-60 minutes until resolved and then resume your prep. Completing the bowel preparation ensures a clean colon and successful colonoscopy.
Q: DO YOU HAVE PATIENT EDUCATION ON DIFFERENT DISORDERS, DIETS, PROCEDURES, ETC?
A: Yes, Please see the page marked patient forms and education. Also, the ASGE and UP-TO-DATE web sites offer a wide variety of information for patients.
Q: DO YOU TREAT HEMORRHOIDS?
A: Yes. More information here.
Q: DO YOU DO LAP-BAND PROCEDURES?
A: No
Q: DO YOU DO GASTRIC-BYPASS PROCEDURES?
A: No
