Your Guide to an Easier Colonoscopy Prep: Tips from San Jose’s Dr. Huy Ngoc Trinh, MD

The dreaded colonoscopy prep is often the main reason people put off this life-saving screening. While it’s true that the bowel preparation is an essential part of the process, it’s not as difficult as you might think. With the right strategy and a few helpful tips from a compassionate gastroenterologist like Dr. Huy Ngoc Trinh, MD, you can make your colon prep easier and more manageable.

Dr. Trinh’s practice in San Jose is dedicated to making the entire colonoscopy experience as comfortable as possible for his patients. Here are his top recommendations to help you navigate the prep with ease:

1. Mind the Diet: Start a low-fiber diet 2-3 days before your prep day. This means avoiding high-fiber foods like whole grains, nuts, seeds, and raw fruits and vegetables. The less you have in your system to begin with, the easier the prep will be, leading to a more effective procedure.

2. Chill Out: The prep solution is much more palatable when it’s cold. Store your mixed solution in the refrigerator and consider adding a clear, light-colored flavor packet (like lemon-lime) or drinking it with a straw to help bypass your taste buds.

3. Sip, Don’t Chug: It’s best to sip the solution slowly and steadily rather than trying to drink it all at once. Drinking a small amount every 10-15 minutes will help prevent nausea and make it easier to finish. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

4. Stay Hydrated: The prep can be dehydrating. In between doses of the prep solution, be sure to drink plenty of clear liquids like water, clear broths, apple juice, and sports drinks (avoiding red, blue, or purple). Staying hydrated is crucial for your comfort and for the success of the procedure.

5. Get Your Supplies Ready: Make sure you have plenty of soft toilet paper and a soothing wipe. You’ll be spending a lot of time in the bathroom, so be comfortable. Having a book, a tablet, or a movie to watch can also help pass the time.

6. Follow the Schedule: Your doctor will give you a specific schedule for when to drink the solution. It’s important to stick to it precisely to ensure your colon is fully cleaned for the procedure. A clean colon is a successful procedure, giving Dr. Trinh the best possible view to detect and remove any potential polyps.