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Avatar universal

Bowel prep ???

Okay here is my thing, I'm having a Laparscopy done this Tuesday at 8:15, with knowing minually they will be removing my left ovary and tube.
BUT my question is how do i get through the entire day tomorrow with just consuming fluids ( beef, chicken broth, tea, coffee,juices and sodas ?? )  Has anyone had to do this before surgery, I've heard of not eating after midnight BUT how do you get through the day before without starving.....
I though since i can eat anything solid 24 hrs before my surgery I am planning on getting up before the sun tomorrow lets say maybe at 4:30 am going to IHOP for a HUGE breakfast.  Cause i figure its still more than 24 hrs right ?!?

Please keep me in your prayers as you all are still in mine  :-)

Joan
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Avatar universal
I sucked on hard candy the morning before, but really I wasn't very hungry since I was so nervous and scared I probably would have barfed up anything I ate anyway.
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Avatar universal
Hey -- it's not fun to fast based on some one else's orders, but remember, lots of people fast for a full day because of religious observances -- this is really based on the idea of spiritual cleansing, and you cleanse your body as well. It won't kill you.

Other people do fasting and cleansing specifically for their health. My boyfriend and I did the "Master Cleanse" where you drink this lemonade with maple syrup and cayenne pepper. Plus water whenever you want it (how generous). But here's the deal -- I stayed on it for three days, and he did it for the full ten days, as the cleanse tells you to. Lots of people do this and survive, no problem, get healthier from it.

Plus, it helps you rethink eating! You realize you're not "dying of hunger" or "starving" as we often claim we are when we go just a few hours without food.

If these ladies are saying it makes the surgery go smoother, then do it! Don't gorge on food 24 hourse in advance -- that's just "technically" allowed, but still not going to help you. The food -- and from an IHOP it'll be a bunch of starchy, processed foods that take longer to get through your system -- will still be in your intestines and bowels, and make it more difficult for the doctors.

Still -- you should brainstorm all the possible variety of fluids you can drink, so that it'll be more bearable. Fruit smoothies, gatorade (to prevent dehydration), juices, teas, broths...what else?  I don't know if this would be cheating or not, but you could go to a health food store and get a freshly juiced veggie drink (apple - beet - carrot is yummmy). Or the V-8 type drinks will give some variety to your all-fluids day.

GOOD LUCK!
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Avatar universal
When I had to do the bowel prep, I had to start it at 11:30am, and they told me only a very light, small meal befor you start.  They told me the more you have in your stomach, the harder it is.  Do you have to drink the gallon of stuff?  Like it was stated earlier, if you have to drink the gallon of stuff you will not feel like eating.  If you do have to do the gallon of stuff, mix it with 7-up or sprite.  It helps a little with the taste.  Good luck.  Kasie
Helpful - 0
110491 tn?1274481937
Look at it that way: if there is stuff left in you bowels and they accidentally cut it, the contents will poison you. I think that is much worse than eating light for one day. I always play it safe and follow the instructions to a T and then some, because I am prone to constipation. Colonoscopy, surgery, I make sure my bowels are squeaky clean. No complications, please! BTW you will be surprised how much will come out even if you don't eat...you think you're empty when you are not!

If you drink enough you will not dehydrate. The only thing I didn't like was that I was not allowed to take anything by mouth after midnight, when my surgery was scheduled for 4 pm. Byt the time I was in the hospital, I begged for the bag of IV fluids.
Helpful - 0
135691 tn?1271097123
When I had my bowel prep, the nurse explained to me that I can either stop eating Tuesday night at midnight and Wed and Thurs eat only Jello, chicken broth etc.. and only have to drink 1/2 the jug of laxative, or stop eating Wed at midnight and only have liquids on Thursday and drink the whole jug of laxative. (my surgery was Friday). I opted to starve for 2 days, and it was hell.The laxative though, tastes horrific and I honestly don't think I could have drank the entire amount. I have to tell you to make sure to have baby wipes on hand, pat - DON"T WIPE, and it kicks in within 20 min, not a couple hours if your jug suggests that. I must point out that while gorging yourself sounds like an awesome idea, remember, everything that goes in must come out! NOT A GOOD IDEA!!! Trust me! The worst part about the whole thing was my boyfriend who, after 2 days of me not eating anything, had the nerve to order a Tim Horton's coffee and glazed cinnamon roll on the drive to Toronto the morning of my surgery - believe it or not, I didn't dump him!
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Avatar universal
I am having colonoscopy on Wednesday.  I was told to stop eating at midnight on Tuesday--drink only clear fluids on Wednesday and begin drinking the gallon at 2 p.m.

Then on Wednesday morning, I am to give myself, not one--but two fleet enemas--which I have never done before.  

It all sounds horrific to me--but I am even more afraid of waht they will find.  I am already starting to have pain in my left side again and my antibiotics just finished on Friday night.
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Avatar universal
Do you have to drink the bowel prep stuff also, like you would for a colonoscopy? I had one a few months ago & you can't eat the day before either. If you have to drink that stuff, you won't want to eat anyway. Jello will fill you up a little bit, probably because the gelatin in it. To tell you the truth, the emptier your stomach is, the better you'll probably do & feel during & after the surgery as I don't think the anesthesia will have as a nauseous effect on you. I had spinal surgery years ago & I did not eat for about 3 days before my surgery because the way my spinal cord was pressing on my spinal nerves that control my bowels. As long as you can drink you should be okay. Good luck, I'm sure you'll do fine.
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Avatar universal
FYI--I was told only clear liquids--like apple juice--even yellow jello or banana or lime popsicles (nothing red).

Have to go out to meet a girlfriend tonight--so I will catch you all tomorrow.
Helpful - 0
105530 tn?1279585282
Mid

When I had my colonoscopy back in April and had to drink that stuff
What I did was squeezed some lemon in it, it made the taste a little better not much but a little.
So you could try that.
Good luck
Mid from OZ
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
It is true that the hunger passes especialy after drinking the bowel stuff.  I have done one day for a colonoscopy before but for my surgery I have to do it for two days.  I told my son to take his dad out for fathers day.  I don't want to have to smell food by that second day.  I look at it this, I should lose a few pounds before the surgery with the two day prep.  Whatever works.
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Avatar universal
I have had several surgeries and procedures that required not eating solid foods 24 hours prior to surgery and you will be suprised how well you can adjust. You may think I am crazy, but its mind over matter. Always remember that this too shall pass. You can do anything you set your mind to. You just have to relax and accept it. Yes you may feel hungry and uncomfortable, but I have found that eating a lot of food at 4:30AM was not the way to go. If you must, eat light, easily digested foods. Follow your MD's directions to the letter. Remember, your bowel should be clean at the time of surgery to avoid complications, and usually my doctor prescribed a bowel prep the day before. I tried to think of the chicken broth or the jello as a full meal. Drink the broth slowly, and drink A LOT. I found ginger ale a lifesaver. Also, try to relax. I tend to eat more when I am nervous. Make tomorrow be a day that you do something you love. Read, paint whatever makes you happy. Chances are you will not think of eating as much if you are doing something else you love. I am sure your surgery will go fine.  My prayers will be with you. Also, take a nice long bath or shower the night before and wear very comfortable loose fitting clothes that won't put pressure on your umbilicus on the day of surgery, as you may feel a little sore after the surgery. Good Luck, and be well. You will do just fine. Tee
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Avatar universal
I had to do it too...had a TAH and BSO and my surgery was late in the day so I was ravenous by the time I got to the hospital!
In my case the hunger feelings would sort of "pass" and then come back, Pass and come back....it was a long day that is for sure, but it can be done. My advice is...if you can...read a GOOD book the whole day before! (I am a dog lover and read "Marley and Me" ...adorable true story!)
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