Hi Friends,
Dr. Tabibian here.
As a gastroenterologist, I’ve heard it a thousand times: “Doc, I’d rather do anything than drink that prep.”
And honestly… I get it.
The prep is the hardest part of a colonoscopy for most people.
But here’s what patients don’t always realize: there are decent options now.
You don’t have to suffer through the same old jug of salty liquid from the ’90s.
So if you’ve been putting off your colonoscopy because of the prep, this one’s for you.
WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS NOW
Colon cancer rates are rising in adults under 50. Screening saves lives, but many people avoid colonoscopy because of the prep.
But there’s good news: prep solutions have come a long way. You no longer have to choke down a gallon of salty liquid.
Knowing your options can make the process far less miserable… and maybe even (dare we say) easy.
Today’s Opponent:
Dreaded Colonscopy Prep
Colonoscopy prep solutions work by flushing stool and debris out of your colon so your GI doctor can get a crystal-clear view during your procedure.
The ideal prep would be:
-Highly effective
-Easy to finish
-Gentle on the stomach
-Safe, affordable, and accessible
While no single prep checks every box, a few come close…
And some are better suited for certain people.
Here are some common prep options and how to make them easier:
→ SuTab: Easy to take, tasteless, pill form for colonoscopy prep! However, you still need to drink a lot of water to flush them through and its 24 total pills, split into 12 at a time.
If you have trouble swallowing pills, this is not the prep for you.
But if you don't, this is a great alternative and does a great job clearing you out.
→ Miralax + Gatorade combo: A milder-tasting, lower-volume option many patients prefer.
Mix an entire bottle of Miralax powder into 64 oz of clear Gatorade (no red or purple dyes 🚫).
→ SuPrep or Clenpiq: Smaller volumes with better flavor and good cleansing efficacy.
These can cause mild nausea in some people, but chilling them helps.
→ GoLYTELY (the old-school gallon jug): Once the gold standard, now less popular because of taste and volume.
If you can tolerate it, it still works very effectively.
→ Split dosing matters:
Taking half the prep the evening before and half the morning of the procedure is far more effective than drinking it all at once.
Studies show this approach leads to cleaner colons and happier patients (that’s YOU)!
Here’s a few more pro tips from years of practice as a GI doctor:
👉 Chill the solution (it dulls the taste).
👉 Use a straw and drink it cold.
👉 Suck on lemon wedges or mints between doses.
👉 Stay near a bathroom once you start (trust me).
👉 If you’ve struggled with prep before, talk to your doctor. There’s likely a better fit for you now.
“The prep is the price of admission for one of the most effective cancer-prevention tools we have. But the tools have improved, and you deserve to know your options.”
“I always tell my patients: don’t let the prep scare you away from getting screened. The few hours of discomfort are worth the peace of mind.. and potentially your life.”
Who Should Avoid Certain Preps
Some bowel-prep solutions are not right for everyone. Talk to your doctor if you have:
Kidney disease or heart failure: Avoid sodium phosphate–based or highly salty preps. They can shift electrolytes and fluid balance.
Severe dehydration or low blood pressure: Use caution with stimulant-heavy or large-volume preps.
Diabetes: Plan ahead for your fasting period; blood-sugar management may need temporary adjustment.
Swallowing difficulties or prior bowel surgery: Ask whether a low-volume or split-dose regimen is safer for you.
What’s On Your Mind?
Respond to this email and let us know!
As gastroenterologists, we definitely have a lot to talk about when it comes to your gut health and well-being. But we can’t always get to everything (you know… like coffee enemas)! So reply directly to this email or DM us on TikTok below and maybe YOUR topic will be featured soon!
