When my PCP said I was of the age for a colonoscopy (infact she she said I was eleven years overdue!), I started doing some research as to what is involved. I understand that prior to the procedure the colon has to be completly clean, this is done by drinking a large amount of stuff, like a gallon in an hour, to make you goooooo, or by taking a large amount of pills (20 big ones in an hour and then repeted later) for the same effect.

When I talked with my WL surgeon he said I would have to have un-fill prior the the prep, as I would not be able to take all those pills. I was not sure if he also meant I would need an un-fill for the liquid prep too.

Has anyone had a colonoscopy since being banded and if so what prep did you have and did you have to have an

un-fill? I just want to make sure I have plenty of info when I have a consultation with the GI doc, in case he has not had a banded patient before.

Thanks for any info you may have.

I've had 3 colonoscopies but none since banding.

I have never had to drink the gallon of Water mixed with the laxative. My dad has. So, I know what you are referring to.

I had to drink a couple of small bottles of foul tasting phospho something or other. Talk to you doctor about an alternative laxative.

I personally would not not get unfilled just to take a laxative but on the other hand, my surgeon suggests getting an unfill for any surgery you are being put under for.

Thanks btrieger,

I'm pleased to hear there is something I can take that has less volume than the gallon prep stuff.

I really don't want to get an unfill as my band fill is just right.

May I ask if you had sedation for all your c.scopies? I am more fearful of the amnesiac drugs than of the procedure.

Thanks for your input.

Viv...I am scheduled for a colonoscopy on the 16th. I find it hard to believe that a doc would want to do an unfill just for the prep for this procedure. There's no way I would mess with perfection, if that's where you feel you are with your restriction.

My prep entails taking 3 small dulcolax tablets 24 hours prior, drinking 32 oz of Fluid mixed with Miralax throughout the day prior and 2 small dulcolax the morning of the procedure. I don't see a problem with being banded and the prep that is expected.

Thanks Apples2 for your input - I can take that information with me to the consultation, to ensure I get a simular type prep.

I agree with not messing with perfection, with regard to my band fill - it took 8 long months to get to this point. My LB doc is very experienced, but extra careful, which is a good thing, but I do want to keep my fill.

BTW - you look wonderful!

Thanks Apples2 for your input - I can take that information with me to the consultation, to ensure I get a simular type prep.

I agree with not messing with perfection, with regard to my band fill - it took 8 long months to get to this point. My LB doc is very experienced, but extra careful, which is a good thing, but I do want to keep my fill.

BTW - you look wonderful!

Hey Viv...just noticed your ticker. You are only 8lbs from goal. Way to go! Congrats!:thumbup:

Cheers Apples2, I am hoping to be at goal by my 1st anniversary, (28th Dec) but that may be too much to ask for. The prep may bring me closer to making it!!! I guess I'll know what the fairy at the top of the Christmas tree feels like - ooch!

I've had a couple of colonoscopies recently and didnt have to unfill for any of them, I got the prep down (picolax) with no problems.

Thanks Jacqui,

Looks as if I'll be fine with a liquid prep. I can understand my LB doc wanting to do an unfill if I had to take 20 big pills. I would not want them trying to get through the small opening in my band.

FYI

Just as a warning to others who may read this, here is more info on the pill form of colon prep: -

The food and Drug Administration has added a "black box" warning — the sternest warning possible — to the two prescription bowel cleansers that come in tablet form. The new warning stems from reports of kidney damage in patients who took the pills, which contain sodium phosphate, in preparation for a colonoscopy.

Also, the FDA, which can require warnings only on prescription drugs, said no over-the-counter sodium phosphate products should be used for bowel-cleansing. That led C.B. Fleet Co. to announce a voluntary recall of Phospho-soda, a non-prescription laxative that in larger doses has been used for bowel-cleansing.

My DH was given the pill prep just 2 months ago, so GI docs are still perscribing it!!!

How are you doing Jacqui? I hope all is OK with you.

Thanks Jacqui,

Looks as if I'll be fine with a liquid prep. I can understand my LB doc wanting to do an unfill if I had to take 20 big pills. I would not want them trying to get through the small opening in my band.

FYI

Just as a warning to others who may read this, here is more info on the pill form of colon prep: -

The food and Drug Administration has added a "black box" warning — the sternest warning possible — to the two prescription bowel cleansers that come in tablet form. The new warning stems from reports of kidney damage in patients who took the pills, which contain sodium phosphate, in preparation for a colonoscopy.

Also, the FDA, which can require warnings only on prescription drugs, said no over-the-counter sodium phosphate products should be used for bowel-cleansing. That led C.B. Fleet Co. to announce a voluntary recall of Phospho-soda, a non-prescription laxative that in larger doses has been used for bowel-cleansing.

My DH was given the pill prep just 2 months ago, so GI docs are still perscribing it!!!

How are you doing Jacqui? I hope all is OK with you.

Thanks for the info! Phospho-soda is what I was given prior to my colonospcopies. I have moved 1,850 miles since. Sohopefully, it will be something else next time.

Citrate magnesium is an over the counter laxative that is about 8 oz and will take care of whatever is in your bowels!:wink2:

IF you go this route make sure you take this stuff after your last meal (hpefully not to late in the day or you will be up all night running to the bathroom.

Good luck

Usually procedure is done under moderate sedation.