Understanding Go Lightly Colonoscopy Prep Benefits and Alternatives

Understanding Colonoscopy Preparation

Preparing for a colonoscopy is an important part of the process. The preparation allows your doctor to clearly view your colon during the procedure for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. The most common preparation prescribed is a bowel cleansing solution that empties the colon prior to the colonoscopy.

Go Lightly Prep for Colonoscopy

One option for colonoscopy preparation is called Go Lightly prep. This preparation uses MiraLAX powder mixed with Gatorade or other clear liquids to flush out the colon. Here's how Go Lightly prep works:

• Avoid solid foods and drink only clear liquids leading up to the colonoscopy
• Mix the MiraLAX powder with 64 oz of a clear liquid like Gatorade
• Drink 8 oz of the solution every 10-15 minutes until it's gone
• Continue to hydrate with clear liquids until your procedure

Go Lightly is a lower volume prep that empties the colon using osmosis. The MiraLAX powder draws water into the colon to induce bowel movements until the colon is cleansed for the procedure.

Benefits of Choosing Go Lightly

There are many potential benefits of choosing the Go Lightly colonoscopy prep:

• Lower fluid volume can be easier to finish
• Palatable flavor from mixing with Gatorade or broth
• Less risk of dehydration compared to high volume preps
• May cause less abdominal fullness or discomfort
• Osmotic effect allows thorough colon cleansing

These benefits make Go Lightly an option to consider, especially if you have struggled with completing other bowel preparation solutions.

What to Expect When Taking Go Lightly

If you choose the Go Lightly preparation, here is what you can expect as you take the solution:

• Begin restricting your diet 1-2 days before, starting with low fiber foods
• Take only clear liquids leading up to drinking the prep
• Mix MiraLAX powder with at least 64 oz clear liquid until dissolved
• Drink one 8 oz glass every 10-15 minutes until gone
• Stay near a restroom once bowel movements start
• Diarrhea expected within 1-3 hours of first dose
• Continue clear liquids to stay hydrated until the colonoscopy

Be prepared with soft toilet paper, Vaseline, wet wipes, and diaper rash ointment if you experience skin irritation during bowel movements. You may also consider adult incontinence pads if you cannot make it to the restroom in time. Having a buddy system with someone that can give you emotional support can also help.

How Go Lightly Compares to Other Colonoscopy Preps

Go Lightly is one option that can effectively empty your colon for a colonoscopy. However, there are other preparations that work in different ways. Here's how some of the options compare:

Go Lightly vs. Miralax & Gatorade

Go Lightly and Miralax mixed with Gatorade are essentially the same preparation. They both use polyethylene glycol 3350 (MiraLAX powder) as the active ingredient for an osmotic laxative effect. The only difference would be the exact volume of solution - a Go Lightly kit may specify the flavor of Gatorade and number of ounces to mix.

Go Lightly vs. Suprep Bowel Prep Kit

Suprep uses sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and magnesium sulfate for the laxative effect instead of polyethylene glycol. The ingredients draw fluids into the bowel through osmosis leading to diarrhea. People often cite the salty flavor as unpleasant. An advantage is Suprep requires drinking only 16 oz of fluid split into two doses.

Go Lightly vs. Prepopik

Prepopik uses sodium picosulfate with magnesium citrate to stimulate the bowels. Patients also take packets with crystal lightning lemonade flavor to help mask the taste. It does not require mixing powder with additional liquids. Some people report greater nausea or vomiting from the magnesium citrate.

Go Lightly vs. NuLYTELY & Other Electrolyte Solutions

NuLYTELY contains polyethylene glycol 3350 and electrolytes for hydration. The flavoring and electrolyte difference may make it more tolerable for some patients compared to Go Lightly. But the large 4 liter volume makes it difficult for others to complete the full dosing. Gavilyte-C is similar with ascorbic acid and electrolytes.

Tips to Improve Tolerance & Completion

Many people struggle to finish their full colonoscopy preparation dosage, especially with large 4 liter electrolyte solutions. Here are some tips to help you get through drinking a solution like Go Lightly:

• Hold your nose while you drink to block the taste
• Suck on hard candy or lollipops to coat your mouth
• Try drinking through a straw placed far back on your tongue
• Rinse your mouth with water, clear soda, or mouthwash after
• Set a timer to keep pace drinking 8 oz every 10-15 minutes
• Stay close to a toilet to reduce anxiety about accidents
• Wear an adult incontinence pad for confidence leaving restrooms
• Use wet wipes, diaper rash cream, Vaseline for skin irritation
• Have an accountability partner check on your progress

Even making small adjustments to your routine around the prep can dramatically impact your ability to finish drinking the solution for a successful colon cleansing.

What If You Are Unable to Finish Your Prep?

If you are unable to complete the full dosage of your colonoscopy preparation, notify your doctor's office. They may prescribe a backup option like a Fleets enema or Dulcolax laxative tablets to ensure your colon is clear for the procedure. In some cases, they may recommend rescheduling your appointment to try another preparation.

If your doctor gives the okay to proceed with an incomplete prep, be sure to discuss risks like missed lesions or needing repeat testing sooner. They can take additional measures like flushing the colon with water or manually washing out debris during the colonoscopy to improve the view. Just be prepared the procedure may take longer or require a follow up colonoscopy sooner than the standard guideline of 10 years.

Ask Questions up Front to Choose the Best Prep for You

The key to a successful colonoscopy starts with selecting an appropriate preparation method you can complete. By understanding what the Go Lightly bowel prep entails and how it compares to alternatives, you can make an informed decision.

Do not be afraid to have an open and honest discussion with your doctor if you have concerns about a prescribed prep. Share your previous experiences attempting solutions or health considerations impacting your tolerance. This allows them to provide guidance tailored for your needs to cleanse the colon while keeping you comfortable through the process.

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.