Can You Eat Gummy Bears Before Colonoscopy Prep? Expert Tips

Can You Eat Gummy Bears Before a Colonoscopy?

If you're preparing for a colonoscopy, you may be wondering if you can eat gummy bears before a colonoscopy. With their sweet taste and fun chewy texture, gummy bears seem like they would be easy to enjoy even when you are limited to clear liquids. However, most doctors recommend against eating gummy bears or other gelatin snacks leading up to your colonoscopy prep.

Why Avoid Gummy Bears Before Colonoscopy Prep

There are a few important reasons why gummy bears are typically not advised prior to a colonoscopy:

• They can alter prep effectiveness. Gummy bears contain gelatin, which does not fully dissolve and can leave residue in the colon. This can interfere with the exam.
• They can cause choking risk. When you can't eat solid foods, gummy bears can pose a choking hazard due to inadequate chewing.
• They can cause confusing symptoms. Bears that get stuck can cause abdominal pain and vomiting, which could be mistaken for side effects.
• They contain calories and sugar. The prep requires calorie and nutrient restriction, which gummy bears violate.

Clearing Up Confusion About Gummy Bears

There's understandable confusion about whether gummy bears are allowed before a colonoscopy. Here's some clarification:

• They dissolve in water, so seem like they should be okay. But the gelatin and other components can still leave film and debris behind.
• Children are sometimes allowed gummy bears to disguise the prep taste. But for adults, doctors strongly advise against them.
• Some patients still manage to consume gummy bears with no issues. But this is considered risky.
• Sugar-free gummy bears are still not permitted, as they contain additives that can cause gas and diarrhea.

Allowed Clear Liquid Options

While gummy bears are not recommended, here are some allowed clear liquids with options to satisfy your sweet tooth:

• Water - Still or sparkling water to stay hydrated.
• Tea and coffee - No milk; flavor with lemon if desired.
• Broth - Chicken, vegetable or beef broth can provide sodium.
• Juice - Apple, white grape, lemonade, cranberry.
• Sports drinks - Electrolyte replenishers like Gatorade or Powerade.
• Jell-O - Flavored gelatins without fruit are permitted.
• Popsicles - Great for cold sweet relief; no pulp types.
• Italian ice - Flavorful frozen fruity dessert, not creamy.
• Hard candy - Butterscotches, lemon drops, mints.

Key Benefits of Avoiding Gummy Bears Before Colonoscopy

While it may be disappointing to skip gummy bears as part of your prep, doing so has some important advantages:

• Better prep - Avoiding residue, film, and debris left behind by gummy bears enhances the thorough colon cleansing needed for the procedure.
• Safer prep - Preventing choking reduces the risks, especially when chewing and swallowing are compromised during fasting.
• More accurate exam - Eliminating confusing symptoms like abdominal pain improves detection of true issues during the colonoscopy procedure.
• Improved recovery - Adhering to liquid fasting supports quicker rehydration and digestive recovery after the intensive colonoscopy preparation.

Tips to Get Through Prep Without Gummy Bears

Here are some tips to help you get through colonoscopy preparation without resorting to gummy bears:

• Stay very well hydrated by sipping water frequently throughout the prep.
• Add variety with different clear liquids like broth, herbal tea, lemonade and popsicles.
• Manage hunger by consuming popsicles, Jell-O and hard candy for a little energy boost.
• Rinse your mouth with mouthwash or mint tea to freshen your breath.
• Try holding your nose while drinking the prep solution to block bad tastes.
• Keep a positive attitude and remind yourself the restricted diet is temporary.
• Distract yourself from food temptations by watching shows, chatting on the phone, taking walks.
• Stay near a bathroom as the prep will cause diarrhea to cleanse your colon.

What to Expect After Colonoscopy Prep

Here's a rundown of what typically happens after you complete the colonoscopy prep process:

• You will continue to pass clear liquid diarrhea and elimination as the strong laxatives work.
• Expect to use the bathroom frequently overnight as the prep solution takes effect.
• The morning of the exam, take nothing further by mouth, including clear liquids.
• Arrive on time at your appointment, accompanied by a friend or family member if possible.
• An IV line will be started and anesthesia will make you fall asleep for the procedure.
• Your doctor will insert a colonoscope to visualize your colon lining for any polyps or abnormalities.
• Polypectomies or biopsies can be done during the scope exam.
• Afterward, the doctor will discuss results and you will recover from sedation.

Colonoscopy Preparation Q&A

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about colonoscopy prep:

Can I drink coffee before colonoscopy prep?

Yes, black coffee is allowed until you start the formal prep process. Once the preparation begins, stick to approved clear liquids without milk.

When does the diarrhea start with prep?

You'll start having loose stools 2-4 hours after your first dose of laxative solution. Frequency increases over night as the full prep impacts your system.

What happens if I eat solid food with the prep?

Consuming any solid foods during the prep timeframe can result in an incomplete cleansing. This may mean rescheduling your colonoscopy procedure.

Do I need a ride home after a colonoscopy?

Yes, you cannot drive for the rest of the day after being sedated. Arrange for a friend, family member or medical transport to safely take you home.

How long does it take to recover after a colonoscopy?

It usually takes the rest of the day to recover from the procedure. You may feel groggy and have some bloating or mild cramps. Most people feel back to normal the next day.

Preparing for a Colonoscopy

Preparing for a colonoscopy exam involves following your doctors instructions carefully leading up to the procedure. Proper preparation helps ensure your colon will be empty and thoroughly cleansed in order for your doctor to see your colon lining clearly. Taking the time to prepare sets you up for the best results.

Start Planning Early

Once your colonoscopy is scheduled, start preparing a week or more in advance. This gives you time to:

• Make sure you understand your required colonoscopy prep instructions.
• Adjust your schedule and responsibilities around the liquid diet and prep timeline.
• Buy any supplies like laxatives, wipes, clear liquids that you'll need.
• Make preparations for getting a ride home after the procedure.
• Plan relaxing activities to do during the preparation days.

Follow Diet Instructions

Be sure to follow any diet instructions from your doctor in the days leading up to prep. Typical instructions include:

• Avoid high fiber foods like raw fruits/vegetables, whole grains and nuts.
• Stop eating seeds, popcorn, corn, beans, quinoa and other hard-to-digest foods.
• Have only light, low-fiber meals a few days before prep starts.
• Stick to a clear liquid diet starting 1-2 days before the colonoscopy.

Prep with Helpful Supplies

Gather supplies ahead of time to make the prep process more comfortable:

• Stock up on clear broth, juices, popsicles and Jell-O.
• Buy soothing wipes to prevent a sore bottom from frequent wiping.
• Have toilet paper, tissues, and reading material handy in the bathroom.
• Set up TV or devices to distract yourself during marathon bathroom time.
• Make sure you have Vaseline or barrier cream for skin protection.
• Get magazines, books, games to keep yourself occupied.

Take the Prep as Directed

Follow your doctor's exact instructions for when and how much laxative solution to take. Typical prep guidelines include:

• Drinking half the laxative the evening before the colonoscopy.
• Drinking the second half early in the morning of the procedure.
• Drinking each dose within 30 minutes as directed.
• Drinking 8 ounces of clear liquid after finishing each dose.
• Finishing all prep even if your stool is already clear liquid.

Stay Near the Bathroom

Be prepared to spend lots of urgent quality time in the bathroom as the powerful laxatives clean out your system. To make bathroom time more tolerable:

• Sit on a warm towel to ease discomfort.
• Massage your abdomen to relieve cramping.
• Have supplies easily at hand so you're not fumbling.
• Have your phone or tablet ready for entertainment.
• Bring a space heater and blanket if the bathroom is cold.

Finish Prep Even If Already Clear

Its important to drink the full prep as directed, even if your stool is clear liquid early on. Reasons to keep prepping as scheduled include:

• There may be residue higher up that needs clearing.
• Different areas of colon can take longer to fully cleanse.
• Stopping early risks an incomplete prep.
• Full prep will give the best visualization during exam.

Stay the course to ensure you finish prep properly and are ready for your colonoscopy.

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.