Can I Eat Gummy Bears Before a Colonoscopy? Preparation Tips

Can I Have Gummy Bears Before My Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a common screening procedure used to examine the inside of the large intestine (colon and rectum) for abnormalities or disease. During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope is inserted into the rectum and guided through the entire colon. The colonoscope has a tiny video camera and light at the end, allowing the doctor to view the inside of the colon on a monitor.

While a colonoscopy is generally safe, it does require some preparation beforehand to clear out the colon. This preparation typically involves following a liquid diet and taking laxatives or other medications to empty the bowels. The colon must be completely clean for the doctor to get a clear view of the colon lining during the colonoscopy.

Many people wonder if they can have gummy bears or other gummy candy before a colonoscopy. Here is what you need to know:

Why You Need to Follow Prep Instructions

It's crucial to follow your doctor's or prep kit instructions exactly when preparing for a colonoscopy. The preparations are specifically designed and timed to empty the colon of all solid material. Even small amounts of stool left in the colon can hide abnormalities or make the procedure more difficult.

Eating gummy bears or other gummy candy could introduce residual pieces that could interfere with the exam. Gummy bears are made of gelatin, sugar, cornstarch, and flavorings - ingredients that won't properly clear from the colon.

When You Need to Stop Eating Solid Foods

Most doctors recommend stopping all solid foods at least 24 hours before a colonoscopy. Clear liquids and laxative solutions are recommended instead. The prep instructions will provide specific guidelines on when to stop eating solid foods.

This means no more solid foods, including gummy bears, a day or so before the colonoscopy. Its important to follow these guidelines to allow the bowels to fully clear.

Understanding Clear Liquids

While you need to avoid all solid foods before the colonoscopy, you can drink clear liquids up until a few hours beforehand. Clear liquids are liquids you can see through. They include:

• Water
• Fruit juices without pulp (apple, white grape, strained lemonade)
• Clear broth
• Plain gelatin (without added fruit or toppings)
• Popsicles and ice chips
• Clear sodas (Sprite, ginger ale, seltzer water)
• Black coffee or tea

Note that dairy products and pulp-containing juices are not part of a clear liquid diet. Additionally, red, purple, and orange colored liquids are usually avoided as they can sometimes look like blood in the colon.

Can You Have Gummy Vitamins?

Gummy versions of vitamins and supplements (such as vitamin C, probiotics, and melatonin) should also be avoided before a colonoscopy. While they are softer than candy, they can still leave residue in the colon. Stick to regular vitamins and supplements with clear liquids instead.

What About Clear Gummy Bears?

Some companies make products marketed as clear gummy bears, often made with pectin instead of gelatin. However, its still best to avoid these as well as they can coat the colon. Your doctor may also recommend avoiding pectin solutions for the prep for this reason.

Can You Eat Gummy Bears After a Colonoscopy?

Once your colonoscopy is over, your doctor will let you know when you can resume your normal diet. Unless otherwise instructed, most people can start easing back into solid foods a few hours after the exam. Be sure to start with gentle, easy-to-digest foods.

At this point, gummy candies are fair game and can make for a nice little treat after fasting for the colonoscopy prep. Just dont overdo it on gummies or other sugary foods. Eat a balanced, healthy diet as your digestive system gets back to normal.

Tips for Preparing for a Colonoscopy

Preparing for a colonoscopy involves more than just avoiding gummy bears and solid foods. Here are some additional tips to help you get ready for the procedure:

Clear Your Schedule

Be sure to keep the day before your colonoscopy free from work, school, or other commitments. Youll need to stay close to home to complete the preparation.

On the day of the exam, arrange for a ride to and from the appointment. You will be given sedation so you cannot drive yourself home.

Get Supplies

Stock up on clear liquids, bottled water, toilet paper, moist wipes, and anything else youll need to get through the prep process. Having supplies on hand can make the process more comfortable.

Follow Prep Instructions

Carefully read through the prep instructions provided by your doctor. Be sure to follow them exactly, including when to start the liquid diet, when to take the laxatives/enemas, and when to stop drinking liquids. Setting alarms can help you remember the different steps.

Stay Near a Bathroom

Be prepared to spend a lot of time in the bathroom once the laxatives kick in. Stay near a bathroom and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Using moist wipes can help prevent soreness.

Stay Hydrated

Make sure to keep drinking the recommended clear liquids throughout the prep. This helps prevent dehydration from fluid losses. Water, clear broth, and electrolyte beverages are especially helpful.

Manage Discomfort

Cramping, bloating, nausea, and vomiting are common during the prep process. Over-the-counter medications like Gas-X, Pepto-Bismol, and anti-nausea drugs can provide relief. Applying a warm heating pad to the abdomen may also help.

Be Patient

The preparation takes time to fully clear out the colon. Stick to the schedule and continue drinking liquids until youre passing clear or yellow fluid with no solids. Trust the process!

What to Expect During a Colonoscopy

Understanding how a colonoscopy procedure works can help you prepare and stay relaxed.

Arrival and Preparation

You will need to arrive at the colonoscopy location about an hour before your scheduled time. Youll fill out paperwork, get an IV line placed, and put on a hospital gown.

The medical staff will go over your prep experience, medications, and health history. Be sure to disclose anything that may affect the procedure.

Sedation

Once you are settled in the procedure room, sedatives will be administered through the IV. This will make you fall asleep so you dont feel any discomfort. You will continue to breathe normally while sedated.

Colonoscope Insertion

Once you are fully asleep, the doctor will insert a lubricated colonoscope into the rectum and through the full length of the colon. The colonoscope blows air to inflate the colon for better visualization.

Examining the Colon

As the colonoscope is slowly withdrawn, the doctor examines the colon lining for any abnormalities. If anything concerning is seen, a small tissue sample may be taken for biopsy.

The doctor may also remove any precancerous polyps found using a wire loop passed through the colonoscope.

Finishing Up

After thoroughly examining the colon lining, the colonoscope is slowly removed. You will remain asleep during this time. The procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.

You will wake up and recover for a short time before you can go home with your ride. Your doctor will share the results once you are awake and alert.

Recovering After Your Colonoscopy

Expect some grogginess, gas, and mild abdominal discomfort following the colonoscopy. Here's what to expect and tips for recovering comfortably at home:

Same-Day Discharge

Most people can return home a few hours after the colonoscopy once the sedation has worn off. You'll need someone else to drive you home as you cannot drive for the rest of the day after being sedated.

Resume Diet

You'll probably start feeling hungry once you get home after fasting for the colonoscopy prep. You can resume your normal diet unless otherwise instructed. Start with gentle foods like broth, toast, yogurt, eggs, rice, and applesauce.

Passing Gas

The air blown into the colon during the colonoscopy can cause considerable gas pain and cramping. Passing gas frequently will provide relief. Taking simethicone products can also help.

Monitor Bleeding

Some minor rectal bleeding can occur, especially if polyps were removed. But let your doctor know if you have persistent or heavy bleeding of blood clots.

Avoid Driving & Operating Machinery

Sedation can impair your reflexes and decision-making skills for the rest of day. Don't drive, operate heavy machinery or make important legal decisions for at least 24 hours after the procedure.

Watch for Infection

Call your doctor if you develop a fever over 100.4F, increasing abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, dizziness, or weakness as these may indicate an infection.

Be Active

Light activity can help passage of gas and recovery of bowel function. Take short walks around your home and drink plenty of fluids.

Rest Up

Listen to your body and allow for extra rest if needed. You may feel bloated and fatigued. Discomfort should gradually improve within 24 hours.

Understanding Your Colonoscopy Results

Once you have recovered from the grogginess of the procedure, your doctor will explain the findings of the colonoscopy. Heres an overview of the possible results:

Normal

If your colon lining looks normal and healthy without any visible polyps, inflammation, or other abnormalities, the colonoscopy results are normal. You may not need another colonoscopy for 10 years if you have normal results and average risk.

Polyps

If the doctor finds and removes one or more polyps (small clumps of cells), the polyps will be sent to pathology to determine if they are precancerous or cancerous. Youll likely need another colonoscopy sooner if polyps are found.

Colitis

Signs of inflammation, ulcers, bleeding, or irritation may mean you have colitis. Further testing can determine the type and cause. Treatment usually involves anti-inflammatory medications.

Hemorrhoids

Enlarged, swollen veins in the rectum or anus (hemorrhoids) may be noted. Recommendations may include over-the-counter remedies, stool softeners, and warm baths. Severe cases may warrant surgery.

Diverticulosis

Small pouches or sacs called diverticula bulging out of the colon wall indicate diverticulosis. A high-fiber diet and medications to treat occasional flare-ups are the main treatments.

Cancer

Hopefully any cancers are detected at an early stage when they are small polyps that were removed during the colonoscopy before turning cancerous. But cancers can develop between screenings. Your doctor will discuss recommended treatment if cancer is found.

When to Get Screened Again

If your colonoscopy results are normal, you likely wont need repeat screening for up to 10 years. But people at higher risk may need more frequent screenings:

• History of Polyps: Repeat colonoscopy in 3-5 years if any precancerous polyps are found and removed. The timing depends on the size and amount found.
• Family History: Screening every 5 years starting at age 40 if a first-degree relative had colon cancer or advanced polyps at a young age.
• Colitis: Repeat colonoscopies every 1-2 years if you have inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis or Crohns disease.
• High Risk Findings: Doctors may recommend a repeat exam in less than 10 years if the colonoscopy spotted potentially concerning lesions or high risk anatomical factors.

No matter what, be sure to follow your doctors personalized screening timeline based on your colonoscopy findings and risk factors.

Understanding Colonoscopy Risks

While colonoscopies are generally very low-risk, safe procedures, there are some possible complications to be aware of:

Perforation

Extremely rare, but the colon wall can potentially be torn by the colonoscope tip. Risk may be higher with inflamed tissues. Surgery may be needed to repair a perforation.

Bleeding

Minimal bleeding can occur from biopsies or polyp removal. Significant blood loss or rectal bleeding occurs in only about 1 in 1000 colonoscopies.

Missed Lesions

Experienced doctors have a colonoscopy miss rate for polyps and significant lesions of only 1 to 3%. But cancers can sometimes still develop between screenings.

Infection

Improper cleaning of equipment can very rarely lead to infectious complications. Antibiotics and hospitalization may be required.

Adverse Reactions

Some people may have side effects from the sedatives, including cardiovascular or respiratory issues. Reactions to medications or preparations used for the colonoscopy can also rarely occur.

Preparing Mentally and Emotionally

The colonoscopy preparation and procedure can be challenging experiences both mentally and emotionally. Here are some tips to help you get in the right mindset:

Remember Why It's Important

The preparation is necessary and colon cancer screening truly saves lives. Colonoscopies allow for detection and removal of precancerous polyps before they turn malignant.

Stay Positive

Focus on getting through each step, rather than dreading the overall experience. And remind yourself the preparation is only temporary discomfort for an important cause.

Don't Go It Alone

Enlist a friend or family member to keep you company through the prep stages. Having moral support can make the process feel easier.

Distract Yourself

Pass the time during the preparation with books, movies, video games, music or guided meditations. Focus your mind elsewhere.

Try Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation methods like deep breathing, visualization, and muscle relaxation can help you stay calm. Picture yourself peaceful and happy.

Break It Down

Focus on each step one part at a time rather than thinking about the entire process. Celebrate progress through each milestone.

Be Patient with Yourself

The colonoscopy prep can be exhausting and emotional. Acknowledge feelings of frustration or anxiety. Let yourself rest and recover after its complete.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Having a colonoscopy involves many preparations, procedures, and protocols. Here are some suggested questions to ask your doctor beforehand:

• What are the steps for the bowel preparation?
• What foods, drinks and medications do I need to avoid beforehand?
• When do I need to start the liquid diet and stop eating solid foods?
• Are there any special instructions for my medical conditions or medications?
• How long will the procedure take and what can I expect during it?
• Who will

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.