How to prepare for a Colonoscopy or Sigmoidoscopy

A colonoscopy and a sigmoidoscopy both examine the large intestine by inserting an instrument up the rectum. The difference being there is less bowel preparation for a sigmoidoscopy and it poses a lower risk of bowel perforation. The colonoscopy is a longer tube and may reach further than a sigmoidoscopy under local anesthesia.


I was given the Movi Prep Kit for my colonoscopy. Your instructions may be different from mine. Follow the instructions from your doctors. What I found helpful was eating close to a liquid diet the day before the prep day. After your prep is complete, do NOT have breakfast or coffee before your procedure (seen this happen when someone ate a full breakfast before their scope =.=!)

Movi Prep
2 - 1 litre mixes
Divide the 1 litre mix into a few glasses
Have a lollipop (not red or orange) handy in case the taste gets too much. This prep does not have the most pleasant taste. There are other ones your doctor may choose to use such as Pico-salax or Purg-Odan.