Frequently Asked Questions

• What foods am I allowed to eat before my Upper Endoscopy procedure?

• What foods am I allowed to eat before my Colonoscopy procedure?

• What are my physicians' credentials?

• What suggestions do you have for drinking the Co-lyte or Golytely Preparation Solution?

• What kind of sedatives will I be given?

• Can I take my medicine before my procedure?

What foods am I allowed to eat before my Colonoscopy procedure?

On the day before the examination have a light breakfast. Please avoid Metamucil and foods with small seeds such as sesame seeds, kiwi, cucumbers for a few days before your exam. Small hard particles can get caught in the instrument and interfere with a thorough examination. Other than the preparation solution, you should not eat on the day of your examination until the procedure is completed.

What are my physicians' credentials?

All of the physicians performing procedures at the Chevy Chase Endoscopy Center have completed a thorough review of their training, licenses, and credentials. Our physicians are all Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and also Board Certified in their medical subspecialty of Gastroenterology.

What suggestions do you have for drinking the Co-lyte or Golytely Preparation Solution?

To fully evacuate the colon, this preparation will cause you to have many liquid bowel movements. Individual responses to the laxative can vary widely. Plan to remain within easy reach of toilet facilities. Many patients find that Charmin Plus white toilet tissue minimizes the expected anal irritation from wiping. Also rubbing a small amount of hydrocortisone cream, such as Cort-Aid, around the anal area after each bowel movement can lessen the irritation. To improve the flavor of the plain solution, you may wish to add one or two packets of Crystal Light Lemonade-Flavored Soft Drink Mix from your grocery. Chill the solution in your refrigerator. Drink each glass quickly and if needed it is sometimes helpful to hold your nose to lessen your ability to taste the solution. Sucking on a lime or hard candy between glasses can also be attempted if needed. If the large volume seems too much to consume at one sitting it is permissible to "split" the preparation into two halves. Depending upon the scheduled time of your examination you may consume half the solution the day prior to the exam and the remainder in the morning on the day of the examination. If you have any additional questions, please call the center at 301-654-8020.

What kind of sedatives will I be given?

We use a form of anesthesia called conscious sedation. This allows you to be comfortable during your procedure without a total loss of consciousness. In addition to keeping you pain-free during the procedure, conscious sedation relieves the stress and anxiety almost always associated with any medical procedure. Although these drugs do not produce deep unconsciousness, they often leave the patient with little or no memory of the procedure. Regulations for the use of these medications, requires you to have an escort at the time of discharge from the facility.

Can I take my medicine before my procedure?

You may take all of your normal prescription medications unless otherwise directed. If you are taking Coumadin or Insulin call for special instructions before you begin your preparation. Do not take any aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medicine for three days prior to the examination.