EGD – Endoscopy

Endoscopy Preparation

5 Days Prior to the Procedure

Stop taking fish oil supplements.

Be sure to let your provider know if you are on a blood thinner such as Coumadin or Plavix.  If on a blood thinner_______________________________________________.

1 Day Prior to the Procedure

Take all of your normal medications. You may eat a normal diet during the day, but NOTHING to eat after midnight.

Day of the Procedure

Upon waking, start clear liquid diet. Examples are below. This means no breakfast or solid food. If you do not adhere to the clear liquid diet your procedure may be cancelled. You may continue with the clear liquid diet and take any necessary medications as long as it is 2 hours before checking in for your procedure.  Within 2 hours of checking in for your procedure, do not put ANYTHING in your mouth.  This includes water, gum, mints and lozenges.

If you use a CPAP at night for sleep apnea, please bring it with you to your procedure.

If you use an inhaler for pulmonary disease, please bring it with you to your procedure.

Clear Liquid Diet

• Clear chicken, beef or vegetable broth
• Apple, cranberry or grape juice, flavored bottled waters, gatorade, crystal lite, pedialyte, sprite, 7-UP
• Water, coffee, tea, herbal teas (Do NOT add milk, cream, or non-dairy creamer; you may add sugar or other sweeteners if desired)
• Popsicles, Jell-O, orange, lime, lemon okay  (No red Jell-O)
• Hard candy such as lifesavers, suckers, gummy bears

After the Procedure

Please arrange transportation with an escort that you trust to receive your discharge instructions. All patients will be required to have an escort – YOU CANNOT DRIVE (or take a taxi without an escort). You must plan to refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery for at least 12 hours after your examination.  Alcohol and sedatives should be avoided for 24 hours after the procedure. If you have biopsies or a polyp removed, you will need to avoid aspirin, aspirin-related products, and blood thinners for 24 hours.