Colonoscopy prep as a plant-based person is not easy and is a little annoying. The options that the doctor provided me were quite disappointing. No consideration for vegetarians and different ethnicities. Really surprising. Here is an example of my prep that turns out to be very standard unfortunately.
So, I worked with another GI friend to come up with a program that would work for me. While we plant-based people eat loads and loads of fiber, the week before your colonoscopy, you can’t eat fiber. This is because it leaves a residue in the gut, and they simply can’t see. Alot of plant-based people tell me that they won’t do a colonoscopy because they eat so well. My husband had a colonoscopy and is plant-based, and he had a polyp that requires more frequent screening. You don’t want to ignore that genetics plays a role here. Not worth the risk in my mind. So I proceeded to get my colonoscopy scheduled. The new recommended screening age for LOW RISK PEOPLE IS 45 years of age. Please consider scheduling your procedure today. A week of pain is fine. You can do this!
I had my colonoscopy on a friday. So on the Monday prior (4 days before the procedure), I started my dietary change and I have outlined it here and I have a perfect prep and full visibility.
4 days prior (Monday)
Breakfast: cheerios and almond milk, green tea
Lunch: white rice and wok stir-fried tofu
Dinner: cantaloupe, air-fry potato without skin and ketchup
3 days prior (Tuesday)
Breakfast: Cheerios and almond milk, green tea
Lunch: White rice and stir-fried tofu
Dinner: Air-fry potatoes without skin with ketchup
Snack: few saltines
2 days prior (Wednesday)
Breakfast: Cheerios with almond milk, cantaloupe, green tea
Lunch: Annie’s brand vegan Mac and cheese
Dinner: pasta with marinara sauce, asparagus heads steamed, cantaloupe
Snack: few saltines
1 day prior (Thursday): day before should be a fasting day
Green tea
Loads of water
I did the low-volume, two dose prep. This apparently has been shown to be more successful that other options. I used Clenpiq and took the first dose at 5pm Thursday evening with 20mg Dulcolax. Then since my colonoscopy was at 10am, I did the second dose between 4-5 am. This is not a fun week, but it needs to be done so do what you have to do.
What is your experience?
I certainly don’t have all the answers for vegan colonoscopy prep. What guidance did your physician give you? What do you want to share about your experience?
Let me know through the form below. I’m listening!
