A referral from your primary care doctor is required before we can schedule. Once we receive the referral order, we’ll call you to find a convenient day and time for your appointment.

For more information about getting a referral and scheduling an appointment, please call our office at the number above.

Since a polyp can be as small as a millimeter, following your doctor’s food and drink guidelines is very important. Even supplements, such as omega-3s, can leave trace material in your colon that make visibility more difficult during your procedure.

• One week before – medication changes: You may need to stop using some medications for weight loss, iron, blood thinners and diabetes prior to your colonoscopy. Consult with your doctor about both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication that you're taking.
• Several days before – dietary adjustments: We recommend eating a low-fiber diet for at least a few days prior to your procedure.
• 24 hours before – bowel preparation: To get a clear visual of any potential polyps, your digestive tract and bowels need to be cleared. Your doctor will give you a solution to drink, one course the evening before and the second course the morning of the colonoscopy. Sports drinks are great options to mix with your prep solution. Avoid all orange, purple and red liquids, these will obscure the view of your colon during the procedure.

Most importantly, follow any instructions your doctor gives you, so you don’t need to reschedule and prep all over again. If you have any questions, or are unsure and need clarification, give us a call.

Learn more about how to prepare for your colonoscopy.

If you have a colonoscopy scheduled, here are factors to keep in mind before your appointment:

• Follow-up care: Your doctor may want to schedule a follow-up appointment or additional screenings. If you had any biopsies, the results can take several days.
• Gas and bloating: It’s typical to experience bloating, gas or minimal cramping following a colonoscopy. These side effects will typically disappear after a few hours.
• Grogginess: You’ll be given a sedative for your procedure, so you’ll need to plan ahead. Someone must drive you to and from your appointment. The grogginess will wear off as you recover throughout the day.
• Reduced diet: Your doctor may suggest that you ease into your regular diet and start with some lighter meals following your procedure.

Learn more about what to expect after your colonoscopy.

Read your doctor's instructions thoroughly before the procedure, so you understand the timeline and requirements. A scheduler from the Endoscopy Center will call you to schedule a pre-anesthesia consult by an RN to verify your current health status.

Following your doctor’s food, drink and preparation guidelines is very important. Food or drink particles can leave trace material in your esophagus and stomach that can make the gastroenterologist’s visibility more difficult during your procedure.

The day before your procedure, you may need to consider the following preparations:

• 72 hours before – no marijuana products: You’ll need to refrain from using any type of marijuana product for 72 hours prior to your procedure. This includes smoking, vaping and edibles.
• 24 hours before – medication changes: You may need to stop using some medications, such as blood thinners, 24 hours before your EGD. Consult with your doctor about both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication.
• On the day of the procedure, only take medications your doctor has specifically instructed you to take. Do so with a minimal amount of water, if permitted.
• Avoid taking antacids, blood thinners or Carafate on the day of the procedure.
• Day of – fasting and no tobacco:
• Your doctor may instruct you to stop eating 8-12 hours before your EGD.
• Don’t chew gum or hard candy within four hours of your procedure.
• You may be allowed to drink clear liquids, such as tea, black coffee or juice, up to two hours before the procedure.
• You’ll also be asked not to use any form of tobacco beginning at 12:01 a.m. the morning of your procedure. This includes cigarettes, chewing tobacco, pouches and any other format of tobacco.

Most importantly, follow any instructions your doctor gives you, so you don’t need to reschedule and prep all over again. If you have any questions, or are unsure and need clarification, give us a call.

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus toward the throat. It can cause symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation and a sour, acidic taste in the back of the throat.

Heartburn is the main symptom of acid reflux and GERD. It feels like a burning sensation in the center of the chest and sometimes in the throat.

GERD is a chronic condition; patients with GERD often experience acid reflux and/or heartburn at least 2-3 times a week. Left untreated, GERD can cause inflammation in the esophagus, known as esophagitis, or changes in the lining of the esophagus, known as Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus may increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Learn more about GERD and the risks of leaving it untreated.

The only way to know if you have either inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is to be evaluated by a gastroenterologist and receive a diagnosis.

IBD is an autoimmune disorder where the tissues and lining of the digestive tract are inflamed or swollen. If properly addressed with a specialist, IBD can be handled with minimal flare ups. If IBD isn’t diagnosed or treated, it can lead to life-threatening complications.

Learn more about IBD:

• Help your child control inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Living with Crohn’s disease: Holistic tips and advice

IBS is a chronic condition that also affects the digestive tract, leading to abdominal discomfort and changes in the bowels. Many patients with IBS can find relief through lifestyle changes like diet or exercise, but also through medications.

Learn more about IBS:

• Irritable bowels? You’re not alone
• Managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diet