FAQ Procedure Appointments

What do I need to bring with me for my procedure?
Bring a responsible adult to drive you/accompany you home, and any questions that you have regarding your procedure.  Also, bring all medications you are taking including vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter medications, to the procedure.  Please leave valuables/jewelry at home. If you have a purse or wallet, you will be asked to leave it with your driver.

What should I wear to my procedure?
Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to take off and put back on.  You will be able to wear socks during your exam as the room is often cool.

Can I wear my dentures?
Yes, you may wear your dentures to the facility. However, do not use adhesive as you may be asked to remove them prior to the procedure.

Can my driver stay with me throughout the whole process?
We ask that your ride remain in the lobby while we get you ready for your exam and during the procedure.  If you wish, after your procedure is complete, your ride can sit with you in the recovery area until you are ready to go home. Due to the limited space, we ask you to please bring only one person with you if at all possible.

IF you have specific needs requiring assistance, please let us know.

Will I be required to take a pregnancy test before my procedure?
Women 50 years old or younger will require a pregnancy test unless medical history indicates a test is not needed.  If you don’t bring your urine specimen with you, we will ask you to give us one upon arrival so we can test it prior to your procedure.

Can I have a Colonoscopy if I am on my menstrual period?
Yes, your menstrual period will not interfere with the procedure nor the results.

Can I drive myself home after my procedure?
It is not safe to drive after receiving sedation.  If you receive sedation, you will not be allowed to drive or ride a bus/taxi by yourself. Your responsible adult must stay on the premises throughout the duration of your procedure.

How long will my driver be at the facility?
Your visit will take approximately 2 hours from the time you check-in to check-out.  Due to the long wait we ask you to refrain from bringing children.

Are there any changes to my diet prior to my colonoscopy prep?
Generally, avoid eating seeds, nuts, popcorn, kernel corn, raw fruits or vegetables for 3 days prior to your scheduled exam. You will be on a CLEAR LIQUID diet the day before the exam. Follow your prep instructions closely, your prep may be slightly different.

Can I chew gum or suck on candy?
No gum or candy is allowed the day of your procedure.

Do I need to be fasting?
Yes. When your procedure is scheduled, the office staff will give you specific instructions of when to stop eating or drinking. If you are unsure about these instructions, please call the office to clarify this information. Do not have anything by mouth at least 2 hours prior to the procedure.

Can I brush my teeth the morning of the procedure?
Please do, brushing your teeth or using mouth wash will not interfere with the Procedure.

Can I take my medications before my procedure?
Medications for Diabetes and blood thinners will likely need to be adjusted for the procedure. Please let your physician know if you are taking any blood thinners or diabetes medications.

Continue your other regularly prescribed medications including the ones due the morning of your exam. Continue taking aspirin unless otherwise advised by your physician.

Can I take my vitamins, supplements and diet pills?
STOP Phentermine or other weight loss drugs containing Phentermine one week prior to the procedure. Stop non-essential vitamins, iron and fiber supplement medication 7 days prior to your procedure.  Do not use any recreational drugs for 2 weeks as they may react with the sedation medications.

Do I need to take antibiotics prior to my procedure?
Antibiotics are not usually recommended for endoscopy procedures. If you have been told in the past to take antibiotics prior to a procedure, discuss this with your GI doctor at your office visit.

How long will my procedure take?
Although you will be at our facility approximately 2 hours, the procedure itself is usually about 30 minutes.

While we know your time is valuable, we must pay close attention to the needs of all of our patients. Some procedures may take longer than usual or require additional care that was not anticipated (additional procedures or counseling). Be assured that we do our best to efficiently deliver the best care to all of our patients. However, the schedule may be delayed from time to time due to procedures ahead of yours. 

Will someone discuss the results of my examination?
Yes. The physician will discuss the results of your exam with you after you wake up in the recovery area. Sedation may cause you to forget things after the procedure, it may be helpful to have someone with you when the doctor gives you your results.

Results of biopsies or polyps removed will usually return to the office within 1-2 weeks. A letter describing the findings and any follow up recommendations will be sent to you. If more studies need to be scheduled or if a change in your treatment is required, you will receive a phone call from the physician or nurse. Please call the office if you have not heard the results of any biopsies within two weeks.

Is a prep needed for my examination?
Upper endoscopy or EGD requires only that the patient has fasted throughout the night, we generally ask to have nothing else to eat or drink after 10 pm the night before the procedure. Follow the prep instructions given to you at your office visit, or call if further questions. 

Colonoscopy requires a cleansing prep in order to safely examine the walls of your colon. Specific instructions should be given and explained to you at the time your procedure is scheduled. This prep may start working immediately. You should anticipate being in and out of the bathroom throughout this process.

If you have questions regarding the exam, please ask the office staff or physician at the time of your appointment. Please be aware that it is VERY important to complete your prep as instructed in order to be clean for your exam.

For other procedures such as sigmoidoscopy or capsule endoscopy, you will receive modified prep instructions at the time your appointment is scheduled .