A colonoscopy is a specialised procedure that doctors use to inspect the large bowel. During your colonoscopy in Singapore, the team will look for polyps, inflammation, bleeding and other changes that could explain symptoms like bleeding, persistent change in bowel habit or unexplained weight loss.
Doctors also use colonoscopy for screening people at average or high risk of colorectal cancer. Now, a good diet before your visit to a colonoscopy clinic in Singapore can make the test safer and more accurate. When your bowel is clean, it becomes easier for the doctor to see the lining clearly and to spot polyps or tiny changes.
Poor prep can mean a repeat procedure, more time in hospital and extra cost. So, it pays to follow the steps exactly.
What can I Eat Before I go for a Colonoscopy?
To begin with, you will most likely be asked to begin your dietary prep for colonoscopy 1–3 days before the procedure itself. The exact timing depends on your appointment slot and the bowel-prep product your clinic uses, so use the clinic’s letter as your timeline. Here’s a quick roundup of what you can eat before going for a colonoscopy;
Three days before the procedure, you will want to start a low-fibre diet which basically means fewer seeds, wholegrains and raw vegetables. This helps ensure less residue sits in your bowel.
Keep normal portion sizes but swap brown rice and wholemeal bread for white alternatives. One to two days before your colonoscopy in Singapore, you will want to tighten the plan to a low-residue menu.
Avoid nuts, pulses, dried fruit and high-fibre cereals. If your clinic allows a light breakfast early on the last day, choose plain white toast, egg or white rice. You can then switch to clear liquids at the time shown by your clinic.
On the last day before the procedure, you will want to stick clear liquids only. Drink water, clear broth, clear juices without pulp, plain gelatin (not red/orange/purple) and allowed sports drinks.
Start the bowel-prep solution exactly when instructed. Many clinics use a split dose, with part the evening before and part the morning of the test to improve cleansing.
Now that you know what foods to eat before your colonoscopy in Singapore you may also want to ask; what can I not eat before a colonoscopy? Real quick, here is a summary of the foods you will want to avoid;
- High-fibre foods like wholegrains, raw vegetables, seeds, nuts and pulses: These foods leave coarse particles and fibres that cling to the bowel wall and hide small lesions. That residue reduces the accuracy of the test and increases the chance you will need the procedure repeated. You will want to stop these items at least 48–72 hours before if your clinic asks for a multi-day low-fibre plan.
- Dairy, milk, creamy soups and smoothies: Opaque liquids can coat the bowel lining and interfere with the visual field. Milk and shakes also slow gastric emptying in some people and can make the prep less effective. Avoid all dairy-based drinks from the moment you go onto the clear-liquid phase.
- Coloured drinks and jellies, especially red, orange or purple: Brightly coloured fluids can be mistaken for blood when the endoscopist looks inside your bowel. That confusion may lead to extra checks during the procedure or make interpretation harder. That said, stick to neutral colours like clear, pale yellow or light brown.
- Fatty, fried or processed meats, and any solids on the day of the test: Fatty meals slow how fast your stomach and gut empty food. As you can imagine, this can lengthen prep time and reduce cleansing. Processed meats and heavy meals also leave residue that the laxative will struggle to clear. Do not eat any solids on the day of the colonoscopy; failing to follow that rule often leads to postponement.
What Should I Tell my Doctor Before Colonoscopy?
Like any other specialised medical procedure, before your colonoscopy in Singapore, you will want to furnish your provider with all the crucial information or details about you to ensure everything goes according to plan. So, what should you reveal to your doctor before a colonoscopy?
Tell your clinic about all medicines you take. This part is particularly important if you’ve been on medications like blood thinners, iron, and diabetes drugs. Some medicines need stopping or timing adjustments before the test. For example, iron can darken stool and make prep harder, while some anticoagulants need specialist approval.
If you are dealing with diabetes, you will need a clear plan for food, insulin and oral medicines so you do not get low blood sugar when fasting. In a good colonoscopy clinic in Singapore, the providers will advise you changes and glucose checks.
If you have kidney disease, heart failure or pregnancy, you will still need to discuss the prep choice with the team. Depending on your unique needs, they may change the product or timing for safety.
On the day of your colonoscopy in Singapore, bring your clinic letter, a list of medicines and any diabetes supplies. Wear loose clothes and arrange a responsible adult to take you home if you will have sedation.
Since you will most likely be at the clinic for several hours, it does help to plan a quiet day after the test. Keep skin-soothing wipes, a soft toilet roll and a phone charger at hand during prep.
While the latter may seem insignificant, such small comforts can make the whole process easier. If you feel dizzy or faint while fasting, please inform the clinic immediately. They can advise on next steps.
Colonoscopy Prep Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I chew gum or suck sweets before colonoscopy?
It is generally not a good idea to chew gum or suck sweets be. Chewing gum and sucking sweets can cause you to swallow air or leave small particles and sugar in your mouth that stimulate gastric secretions. Skip gum and sweets from the start of your clear-liquid phase.
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What happens if you don’t follow colonoscopy prep?
Skipping the prep can lead to incomplete cleansing of the colon which can make it difficult to visualize polyps or other abnormalities during the colonoscopy. So, tell the clinic as soon as you can. They may delay or reschedule the test.
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How will I know if the bowel prep worked?
Proper prep usually produces watery, light-yellow stools with no solid matter. If you still see solid pieces or dark stools after the final dose, call the clinic for advice; you may need extra prep or a new appointment.
In Closing
Good preparation gives a faster, safer colonoscopy and better chances of finding and removing anything that matters. So, be sure to religiously follow the given colonoscopy prep guidelines. If anything is unclear, always feel free to seek clarification from your provider.
If you’re due for a colonoscopy, we invite you to book your colonoscopy in Singapore with us. We will give you an easy-to-follow detailed prep sheet and all the support you may need for medicines or diabetes care. You can call or visit us any time at;
