Just had my pre-op appt today and we were talking about the bowel prep. My surgery is on 11/13, so I'm supposed to drink the bowel prep stuff the morning of the 11th. It sounds like I should probably try to make arrangements to work from home on the 11th, but what about the 12th? I have no idea what to expect in regards to this, as I've never done a bowel prep before...

I was told to take a laxative the night before the first full day preceding my surgery to "clean me out." Then I just drank Water on that full day before my procedure. The water helped to keep everything flowing, so by the time I got to hospital the next day, my lower digestive tract was sparkling clean.

Generally, laxatives only affect you for the first 12-24hrs while your system is emptying out. Once it's empty - you're better able to control your bathroom breaks at work. If you've been cutting back your eating and have been on some degree of a pre-op meal plan, there's not much to come out. Don't quote me, but if you do your prep when you get home from work - things will move that evening/overnight. You may be okay by morning....certainly you shouldn't need more than one day away from the office....if that.

I had to take a laxative.. I took it at 8:00 pm Thursday night and by about 8:00 am Friday morning I was good, thankfully as I had a eight hour drive a head of me. Surgery was the Sunday!

I took my laxitive about an hour ago and waiting for it to kick in LOL I have gone the last 3 days just drinking Protein shakes and very little food and have been drinking about 1.5 gallons of Water.

Thanks everyone!

Sounds like if I take it Tuesday morning, I should be fine to go to work on Wednesday.