Surgery Bowel Preparation

5 Days prior to surgery:

Avoid eating high fiber foods, fiber supplements and discontinue any iron supplements 5 days prior to your surgery.

At your pharmacy or drug store please buy over the counter: 
No Prescription is needed!

1. Four Dulcolax laxative tablets
2. MiraLAX Powder 238-gram bottle (14-day Bottle)
3. 64oz of Gatorade or Powerade. No Red, Purple of Orange colors please, any other color is fine. Diabetics may use a low-calorie Gatorade or similar Liquid.

2 Days Prior to Surgery:

You may eat a regular dinner but stop eating solids after 7:00pm. Thereafter you may continue to drink clear liquids only.

This means liquids you can see through (e.g. water, apple juice, Gatorade, tea, etc.)

Coffee is okay.

*No Dairy or Pulp products.

1 Day prior to Surgery:

You may not eat any solid foods until after your surgery. One of the most important aspects of a successful prep is to consume plenty of fluids the day before the surgery.

Restrict your diet to clear liquids only, no solids. Liquids can be taken without restriction. Mix the entire 238-gram bottle of MiraLAX with 2 quarts of Gatorade in a large pitcher. Stir and Chill.

 Around 9am take all 4 Dulcolax tablets. After about one hour of taking the Dulcolax tablets, start drinking one half of the chilled MiraLAX solution. Take about four 8-ounce glasses (for a total of 32 ounces) over a 2-hour period (one glass every 15-30 minutes). You may continue to drink water to stay hydrated.

Around 5pm drink the remaining MiraLAX solution over the next 1 hour. Be sure to finish the solution. You may continue to drink water until midnight or instructed by your pre op nurse.

At 7pm, 9pm and 11pm Take 2 tablets of Neomycin and one tablet of Metronidazole with a clear liquid.

You may apply Zinc Oxide, Vaseline, Aloe Wipes or Petroleum jelly to the anal area to prevent irritation. Baby wipes or Medicated Tucks may be considered.