PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Preparing for Your Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

Austin Gastroenterology and Liver Clinic, PLLC

1. What is an upper endoscopy (EGD)?

An upper endoscopy (also called EGD) is a procedure that allows your doctor to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine (duodenum) using a thin, flexible tube with a camera. It helps diagnose problems such as acid reflux, ulcers, bleeding, swallowing issues, and other upper GI conditions.

2. How do I prepare for my procedure?

You must have an empty stomach for the procedure.

Do not eat or drink anything (including water) for at least 6–8 hours before your appointment.
This ensures a clear view and reduces the risk of vomiting or aspiration during the test.
Your doctor will give you specific instructions based on your scheduled time.

3. Can I take my regular medications?

Blood pressure and heart medications: Usually may be taken with a small sip of water on the morning of your procedure.
Diabetes medications (insulin or pills): You will receive special instructions — often to hold or adjust the dose since you won’t be eating.
Blood thinners (like aspirin, Plavix, Eliquis, or Coumadin): Tell your doctor. You may need to stop these a few days before the procedure.
➡️ Do not stop any prescribed medication without your doctor’s approval.

4. Do I need to stop eating certain foods before my EGD?

The day before your procedure, eat light meals and avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy foods. Stop eating solid foods after midnight. Only clear liquids may be allowed until 6–8 hours before the test.

5. What are clear liquids?

Clear liquids include:

Water
Clear broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
Apple juice or white grape juice
Gatorade or Powerade (avoid red, blue, or purple)
Tea or coffee (no milk or cream)
Lemonade or clear sodas

Avoid red or purple liquids — they can look like blood during the procedure.

6. Can I smoke or chew gum before the procedure?

No. Avoid smoking, chewing gum, or sucking on candy for at least 6 hours before your procedure — these can increase stomach secretions and make the test more difficult.

7. Will I be asleep during the procedure?

Yes, most patients receive sedation or anesthesia to help them relax or sleep through the procedure. You will not feel discomfort or remember much of the procedure.

8. Do I need someone to drive me home?

Yes. Because you’ll receive sedation, you must have a responsible adult drive you home after the procedure.
You cannot drive, use rideshare alone, or return to work for the rest of the day.

9. What happens during the procedure?

You’ll lie on your left side while a nurse monitors your vital signs.
A mouthguard will be placed to protect your teeth and the scope.
The doctor will gently insert the endoscope through your mouth into your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
Air may be used to expand the area for better visibility.
The doctor may take biopsies (small tissue samples) — this is painless.
The procedure usually takes 10–15 minutes.

10. What can I expect after the procedure?

You’ll rest in a recovery area for about 30–60 minutes until the sedation wears off.
Your throat may feel sore or bloated from air introduced during the procedure — this improves in a few hours.
You can eat and drink once fully awake, unless instructed otherwise.

11. When will I get my results?

Preliminary findings are usually discussed the same day.
If biopsies are taken, results may take 5–7 business days.
Our staff will contact you or discuss results at your follow-up visit.

12. What symptoms should I report after the procedure?

Call your doctor or go to the emergency room if you experience:

Severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting
Difficulty swallowing
Fever or chills
Chest pain or shortness of breath
Black or bloody stools

These are rare but may indicate complications.

13. Who do I contact if I have questions?

📞 Austin Gastroenterology and Liver Clinic
Phone: 737 356-8875
Email: admin@austingiclinic.com
Address: 1513 E New Hope Dr, Unit E, Cedar Park TX 78641.

COLONOSCOPY INSTRUCTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Split Bowel Prep for Colonoscopy

1. What is a split bowel prep?

A split bowel prep means drinking the bowel-cleansing solution in two parts — one dose the evening before your colonoscopy and the second dose several hours before your procedure.
This method provides a cleaner colon and improves the accuracy of the exam.

2. Why is a split prep better than taking all the prep at once?

Studies show that split-dose preparation:

Results in cleaner bowel visualization, especially in the right colon.
Increases the detection of small polyps and adenomas.
Reduces nausea and bloating compared to drinking the entire solution at once.
Helps you feel more comfortable during the procedure.

3. When should I take the first dose?

Take the first dose of your bowel prep in the early evening (usually around 5–7 PM) the night before your colonoscopy.
Drink half of the total prep solution as instructed on your preparation sheet.

4. When should I take the second dose?

Take the second dose about 4 to 5 hours before your scheduled colonoscopy time.
You must finish the last glass of the prep at least 2 hours before your arrival time to the endoscopy center.
(Example: if your colonoscopy is at 9:00 AM, start the second dose at around 4:00–5:00 AM.)

5. What can I eat or drink before my colonoscopy?

Two days before: Eat light meals (avoid high-fiber foods like nuts, seeds, vegetables, and whole grains).
One day before: Switch to clear liquids only — water, clear broth, Gatorade, apple juice, tea, black coffee (no milk or cream), and clear sodas.
Do not eat any solid foods after starting your clear liquid diet.
Avoid red, purple, or blue liquids — they can look like blood during the exam.

6. What counts as clear liquids?

Clear liquids include:

Water
Clear fruit juices (apple, white grape)
Broth or clear soup
Sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade)
Tea or coffee (no milk or cream)
Lemonade
Popsicles (no red or purple)

7. How do I take the prep solution?

Drink an 8-ounce glass every 10–15 minutes until half the prep is finished.
For the second dose, do the same the morning of the procedure.
It helps to chill the solution and use a straw to reduce taste issues.

8. What if I start vomiting or can’t keep the prep down?

Stop for 30–45 minutes, then try drinking smaller sips.
You can pause for short breaks but must complete the prep for an effective exam.
If vomiting continues, call our office for further instructions.

9. How do I know if my bowel is clean enough?

You should be passing clear or light-yellow liquid with no solid pieces or dark stool by the end of the prep.
If not, call our office before your procedure — additional prep may be needed.

10. Can I take my regular medications?

Morning medications: Take essential medications (like for blood pressure or heart) with small sips of water at least 2 hours before the procedure.
Diabetes medications or blood thinners: You’ll receive specific instructions from your doctor before the procedure. Do not stop any medication without medical advice.

11. Can I drive after the procedure?

No. Because you’ll receive sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you home after the colonoscopy. You cannot take a taxi or ride-share alone.

12. What happens if I don’t complete the prep?

If your bowel isn’t clean, the doctor may not be able to see the colon clearly.
Your colonoscopy could be incomplete or need to be repeated, which can delay diagnosis or treatment.

13. How can I make the prep easier?

Chill the solution in the refrigerator.
Suck on lemon wedges or hard candies between drinks.
Use a straw placed at the back of your tongue.
Apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to prevent anal irritation.
Stay near a bathroom once you start — bowel movements start quickly.

14. What should I do after the colonoscopy?

You can resume your normal diet unless told otherwise.
You may feel bloated or pass gas — this is normal.
Do not drive or make major decisions for the rest of the day.

15. Who should I contact if I have questions?

If you have any questions about your bowel prep, medication instructions, or your procedure time, please call:
📞 Austin Gastroenterology and Liver Clinic
Phone: 737 356-8875
Email: admin@austingiclinic.com
Address: 1513 E New Hope Dr, Unit E, Cedar Park TX 78641