What is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a common medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the inner lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. A tiny camera called a colonoscope is inserted into the rectum and guided through the entire colon. The colonoscope transmits images of the colon to a video monitor so the doctor can check for any abnormalities or sources of bleeding or inflammation.
Colonoscopies are typically recommended for adults starting at age 45 to screen for colon polyps or colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy is often ordered if a person has digestive symptoms like chronic diarrhea, constipation or rectal bleeding. It may also be done to monitor patients with a history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer.
Colonoscopy Preparation
In the days leading up to the colonoscopy, patients must follow a liquid diet and take laxatives or enemas to thoroughly empty and cleanse the bowels. This bowel prep flushes out all solid matter so the doctor can clearly view the colon walls during the procedure. Patients are typically limited to clear liquids like plain broth, gelatin, juice, tea, coffee and water the day before the colonoscopy.
Can You Eat Gummy Bears Before a Colonoscopy?
With the strict liquid diet required to prep for a colonoscopy, patients often wonder if they can sneak in small amounts of soft, gel-like foods like gummy bears. Let's explore the answer.
Why Gummy Candy is Discouraged
While gummy bears are soft, chewy and easy to swallow, most doctors recommend avoiding gumdrops, gummy candy and gelatin before a colonoscopy. There are a few reasons behind this recommendation:
- Gummy candy can stick to the walls of the colon. Leftover pieces could obscure the doctor's view and force a rescheduling of the colonoscopy procedure.
- The added sugars and carbohydrates in gummy candy can cause gas production and fermentation which leads to cramping. This compounds the discomfort of bowel prep.
- Artificial colors and flavors used to make some gummy candy can cause side effects like nausea when consumed in excess on an empty stomach.
For these reasons, it's advisable to avoid gummy candy when prepping for a colonoscopy. Wait until after the procedure to enjoy gummy bears and other gelatin treats again.
Recommended Clear Liquids
Instead of gummy bears, these are healthier clear liquid choices to help get through colonoscopy prep:
- Broth - Chicken, beef or vegetable broth provides needed sodium and nutrients.
- Fruit juice - Try cranberry, apple, white grape or lemonade juice with no pulp.
- Water - Stay hydrated by sipping water throughout the bowel prep.
- Tea - Herbal and green tea provide antioxidants without much caffeine.
- Coffee - Black coffee in moderation is allowed.
- Gelatin - Flavored gelatins without added fruit or toppings are usually permitted.
- Ice pops - Look for frozen fruit juice popsicles.
- Hard candy - Lemon drops, butterscotch and other hard candies can help with cravings.
Tips to Improve Taste and Tolerability
The liquid diet and laxative preparations often required for colonoscopy prep leave much to be desired in terms of taste and enjoyment. Here are some tips to help the clear liquids and bowel prep solutions go down easier:
- Opt for chilled or frozen clear liquids to numb tastebuds.
- Use a straw placed far back on the tongue to avoid the taste.
- Rinse mouth thoroughly between drinks.
- Mix or chase bowel prep with a strongly flavored clear liquid like lemonade.
- Suck on mints, lozenges or hard candies to overpower the taste.
- Numb the tastebuds first with a lemon slice.
- Refrigerate preparation solutions for a cooler, more palatable drink.
Patients can also request a prescription for an oral anesthetic solution like viscous lidocaine to coat the mouth and mask unpleasant tastes before drinking the bowel prep.
Day Before the Colonoscopy
The day before the colonoscopy is when patients undertake the actual preparation to cleanse the bowels. Instructions may vary, but typically involve:
Drink only clear liquids
This means no solid food or milk products. Drink as much as desired of approved clear liquids to remain hydrated.
Take laxatives and enemas
The preparation kit from the pharmacy often contains powerful laxatives like polyethylene glycol to induce diarrhea and clear the colon. Patients also use enemas to flush the lower colon.
Stay near a toilet
The powerful laxatives cause diarrhea to remove waste from the body, so patients need bathroom access. Many find it easiest to camp out near the toilet as the preparation takes effect.
Continue drinking fluids
Keep sipping approved liquids like broth, juice and water throughout the bowel prep to prevent dehydration from fluid loss.
Manage discomfort
Abdominal cramping, bloating and nausea are common during the bowel prep. Over-the-counter medications like anti-spasmodics, anti-nausea pills or gas relievers can help relieve symptoms.
Stay near home
Don't stray far from home during the bowel cleansing to ensure easy access to the bathroom. Arrange for a driver for the day of the colonoscopy.
Get sufficient rest
Try to head to bed early the night before the colonoscopy and get enough rest. Lack of sleep can exacerbate side effects from the bowel preparation.
Morning of the Colonoscopy
The morning of the colonoscopy involves a few final steps to get ready:
Take allowed medications
Patients may be instructed to take certain medications like blood pressure or heart medications at their normal time with a sip of water.
Stop drinking liquids
Patients are typically told to stop all fluids at least 2 hours before the scheduled colonoscopy time.
Have transportation arranged
Patients cannot drive themselves home after the procedure due to sedation, so a ride is necessary. Taking public transit or a taxi without an escort is not advisable.
Arrive on time
Be punctual for the scheduled colonoscopy arrival time to keep things running on schedule.
During the Colonoscopy
The colonoscopy procedure itself involves the following steps:
IV insertion
An IV line is started in the arm to deliver sedation medication that will make the patient drowsy and relaxed.
Positioning on table
The patient lies on their side with knees drawn towards the chest to expose the rectum.
Administering sedation
The doctor injects sedation medication through the IV that will likely make the patient fall asleep.
Inserting colonoscope
The lubricated colonoscope is gently inserted into the rectum and carefully advanced through the colon.
Inspecting the colon
Air is pumped through the colonoscope to inflate the colon for better visualization. The doctor examines the lining for any polyps or other abnormalities.
Taking biopsies
If anything suspicious is seen, the doctor can pass tiny instruments through the colonoscope to take biopsy samples for analysis.
Removing polyps
Found polyps can often be removed right then through the colonoscope to be biopsied.
Ending the procedure
Once the doctor finishes the visual inspection, the colonoscope is slowly withdrawn.
Waking up
After the colonoscope is removed, patients wake up from the sedation groggy and may pass gas. IV fluids continue until patients are alert.
Recovery After the Colonoscopy
The recovery period after the colonoscopy involves:
Resting
Due to the sedation medication, patients need to rest under observation at the facility for about 1-2 hours before being discharged.
Passing gas
It's normal to pass gas frequently as a side effect of the procedure.
Transportation home
Patients cannot drive themselves home after sedation and need their escort to take them home.
Resuming diet
After leaving the facility, patients can resume eating regular foods but should start with gentle foods before larger meals.
Managing discomfort
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage abdominal, rectal or throat discomfort after the colonoscopy.
Watching for problems
Patients should watch for signs of bleeding, fever or persistent pain and report concerns to the doctor.
Getting results
Biopsy results should be available within a few days. Make sure to follow up with the doctor about the findings.
Can You Eat Gummy Bears After a Colonoscopy?
Once the colonoscopy is over, the bowel prep is finished and the colon lining has been inspected, what about indulging in gummy bears or other gummy candy? Here are some considerations on eating gummy candy after the procedure:
- It's best to begin with gentle, easy-to-digest foods and then progress diet over 24 hours.
- Avoid gummy candy at first since the high sugar content could cause temporary digestive upset.
- Wait until a normal diet has been resumed for several hours before trying gummy candy.
- Make sure to drink plenty of water to help digest extra sugars from gummy candy.
- Don't overindulge - eat gummy candy in moderation as part of balanced nutrition.
While an occasional celebratory gummy bear after the prep is over won't hurt, it's wise to give the digestive system a chance to recover before overdoing it on gummy candy and other sugary treats. Listen to your body and slowly ease back into your normal diet.
In Summary
Preparing for a colonoscopy involves following a liquid diet and thoroughly cleansing the bowels. While a few gummy bears might provide temporary comfort, it's best to avoid gumdrops, gummy candy and gelatin leading up to the colonoscopy. Stick to recommended clear liquids like broth, juice and water during the bowel prep. Once the colonoscopy is finished, you can celebrate with some gummy candy in moderation after you have eased back into a normal diet.
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.
Add Comment