I Put Off My Colonoscopy. Here’s How I Finally Did It with a One-Week Plan
Written by Bummed Co-Founder + COO Rebecca Monahan
My mom had colorectal cancer, so I always knew I should get screened earlier than most. Still, I put it off for years. Then one day, I noticed a little blood in the toilet and felt that cold jolt of fear.
At my next annual visit, I finally told my primary care doctor. She gave me a GI referral, and I booked the colonoscopy right away. I chose the earliest morning slot to make fasting easier.
The prep and fasting made me most nervous. I worried it would hurt or leave me starving. To calm myself down, I made a plan. Instead of flipping my diet in just two days, I gave myself a full week to ramp down. That gradual shift made everything easier and honestly, calmer.
Why Screening Matters
Colorectal cancer often starts as small, harmless polyps in the colon or rectum. Removing those polyps during screening can prevent cancer from ever developing, that’s the whole point of getting screened.
Most adults should begin regular colorectal cancer screening at age 45, according to U.S. guidelines. If you have a higher risk because of family history or genetic conditions you may need to start earlier.
There are several screening options, including stool-based tests and colonoscopy. Your doctor can help you choose what’s right for you.
My One-Week Prep Plan
I gave myself seven days to ease into it. Here’s what worked for me:
Colonoscopy Prep: One Week Out (Days 7–5)
During the first few days of your colonoscopy diet, focus on low-residue foods and increase water intake to make the transition smoother.
Easy swaps:
- White bread instead of whole grain
- Plain yogurt instead of granola
- Applesauce instead of raw fruit
- Cooked, peeled veggies instead of salads
Four Days Out (Day 4)
I moved closer to a full low-residue routine so the final shift wouldn’t feel drastic.
Sample Day:
- Breakfast: white toast with butter and vanilla yogurt
- Lunch: grilled cheese on white bread
- Snack: applesauce or saltines with a slice of mild cheese
- Dinner: white rice and tofu, or plain pasta with a sprinkle of parmesan
Three to One Days Out (Days 3–1)
By now, I was fully on a low-residue menu that matched my GI’s list. It removed guesswork and helped me relax.
Low-residue menu ideas:
- Breakfast: white toast with butter and yogurt or applesauce
- Lunch: grilled cheese or plain white pasta with butter and mild cheese
- Snack: saltines with cheese or applesauce
- Dinner: white rice or pasta with butter and parmesan
- Dessert: vanilla ice cream or lemon/lime sherbet
What I skipped: raw or dried fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas, brown or wild rice, whole grains, popcorn, and coconut.
The Day Before: Light Meals, Then Clear Liquids
I ate a light breakfast and lunch before the cutoff, then switched to clear liquids only.
Light meals:
- Breakfast: white toast with butter and vanilla yogurt or applesauce
- Lunch: plain pasta with butter or grilled cheese on white bread
Approved clear liquids (from my GI):
- Water (tap, sparkling, seltzer)
- Juice (apple, white grape, or white cranberry)
- Soda (lemon/lime, ginger ale)
- Gatorade (yellow, green, or clear)
- Gelatin or frozen (Jell-O, popsicles, lemon/lime ice)
- Clear broth or bouillon
- Tea or coffee (no milk or creamer)
What helped most:
I chilled everything, used a straw, and alternated prep and water with five-minute timers. I kept lemon or lime ice, warm broth, and ginger ale nearby. Surprisingly, the volume of liquid kept me full, not hungry.
The Morning Of
I took my allowed medications with a sip of water, finished the second half of the prep on schedule, and spent about an hour in the bathroom. Then I showered, called an Uber, and didn’t need the bathroom again.
Check-in, anesthesia nap, clear results. I walked out relieved and proud that I finally did it.
What It Really Felt Like
- Not painful. It didn’t feel like stomach flu.
- Full, not starving. The liquids truly added up.
- Short and predictable. One active window, then done.
- Watching the output go from tea-colored to clear gave me confidence I was ready.
Complete Colonoscopy Prep Checklist (What to Buy and Prepare Before Your Procedure)
Before you book
- Ask your PCP for a GI referral
- Request the earliest morning appointment
- Confirm prep instructions, liquid list, and medication rules
One week out (Days −7 to −5)
- Increase water intake
- Begin gentle swaps to low-residue foods
Three to one days out (Days −3 to −1)
- Follow your simple low-residue menu
- Avoid all high-fiber foods
Supply run (by Day −3)
- Soft toilet paper or wipes
- Barrier cream (like Aquaphor)
- Clear liquids and broth
- Gelatin, popsicles, lemon/lime ice
- Saltines, applesauce, straws, big water bottle
Evening before (after the cutoff)
- Move to clear liquids only
- Chill prep and cups, use a straw
- Alternate prep and water with timers
- Rinse between sips if the taste is rough
- Set up your bathroom station (wipes, cream, water nearby)
Morning of
- Take allowed meds with a sip of water
- Finish the second dose on time
- Shower, bring ID and insurance card
- Confirm your ride home
After
- Follow your GI’s instructions
- Celebrate the peace of mind you just earned 🎉
If you’re like me and get anxious about being hungry or surprised by the process, give yourself the one-week ramp. The gradual shift kept me calm, the liquids kept me comfortable, and the results gave me exactly what I wanted—peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colonoscopy Prep
What can I eat before a colonoscopy?
Stick to a low-residue diet that includes white bread, plain pasta, yogurt, and applesauce. Avoid raw fruits, nuts, and seeds.
Can I drink coffee before my colonoscopy?
Yes, but skip the cream or milk. Only black coffee or tea is allowed.
What’s the easiest colonoscopy prep method?
A gradual 7-day colonoscopy prep plan helps your body adjust without hunger or discomfort.
