Can I drink coffee the day before?

Yes — but black only. No milk, cream, or creamer of any kind. Plain black coffee or plain tea is fine.

Can I drink Gatorade or Pedialyte?

Yes, clear sports drinks are allowed. Avoid red, purple, blue, or green colors. Stick to clear or light yellow.

Can I eat anything the day before?

No solid food — clear liquids only. Nothing to chew: no yogurt, no soup with noodles, no smoothies.

Can I have chicken broth?

Yes — plain clear broth only. No noodles, vegetables, or chunks floating in it.

Can I have Jell-O?

Yes, but only yellow Jell-O. Avoid red, orange, purple, or green — those colors can interfere with the exam.

Can I drink juice?

Apple juice and white grape juice are fine. Avoid orange juice, tomato juice, or anything with pulp or color.

Can I have honey?

Yes — honey diluted in water is allowed.

Can I drink alcohol the night before?

No. Alcohol is not allowed at all during the preparation.

What if I accidentally eat something?

Call our office right away at (626) 284-1350. The procedure may need to be rescheduled if the colon isn't completely clean.

Can I chew gum or have hard candy?

For endoscopy — nothing at all after midnight, including gum and candy. For colonoscopy — also not allowed on the clear-liquid day.

The prep tastes terrible. What can I do?

Chill it first — cold makes it much easier. Drink through a straw and suck on a lemon slice between sips. Do not mix it with anything else.

What if I feel nauseous or vomit?

Stop for 20–30 minutes and rest, then try again slowly. If you cannot keep any down, call us immediately at (626) 284-1350.

Do I have to drink the whole gallon?

Yes — ¾ the evening before, and the last ¼ at least 4 hours before your appointment. The full amount is needed.

What if I miss the last quarter of the gallon?

Call our office as soon as possible at (626) 284-1350 and we'll tell you how to proceed.

How soon will I need the bathroom?

Usually within 30 minutes to an hour after starting. Stay close to a bathroom once you begin.

Is it normal to go many times?

Yes, completely normal. By the end, your stool should look like clear or light yellow liquid — that means it is working.

Can I flavor or mix the prep solution?

You may add the Simethicone drops as instructed, but do not mix Golytely with juice or anything else. Chilling is the best tip.

Can I take my blood pressure medication?

Yes. For colonoscopy, take it the morning of with a tiny sip of water. For endoscopy, take it at least 4 hours before with a small sip.

Can I take metformin or diabetes pills?

Do not take diabetes medications the day of unless your doctor specifically said to. Call us at (626) 284-1350 if unsure.

Can I take my insulin?

Do not take insulin the morning of unless your doctor gave different instructions. Confirm: (626) 284-1350.

Can I take Ozempic or Wegovy?

No — stop one full week before. If you took a recent dose, call us immediately at (626) 284-1350.

Can I take ibuprofen or aspirin?

Aspirin must be stopped 3 days before. Ibuprofen should also be avoided — check with our office if unsure.

I take a blood thinner. When do I stop?

Eliquis, Xarelto, Warfarin, Pradaxa — 3 days before. Plavix, Brilinta, Lovenox, Pletal — 5 days before. Heparin — 6 hours before. Call us if yours isn't listed: (626) 284-1350.

I forgot to stop my blood thinner.

Call our office immediately at (626) 284-1350. Do not assume the procedure can still go on.

Can I take my thyroid medication?

Generally yes — but confirm with our office: (626) 284-1350.

Can I take antidepressants or anxiety medication?

Not on the standard hold list, but confirm with our office before your procedure: (626) 284-1350.

Can I take an Uber or Lyft home alone?

No. You must have a responsible adult riding with you — not just the driver. Applies to any ride app, taxi, or rideshare.

Can my family drop me off and come back later?

No. They must stay and be available to take you home. You will not be released without someone physically present.

Can I take the bus or metro home?

No. Public transportation is not allowed after sedation. You need a responsible adult to accompany you door to door.

How long will I be at the facility?

Plan for 3 to 6 hours total — including prep time, the procedure, and recovery.

Can I go back to work the same day?

Most patients are advised to rest the remainder of the day. No driving or important decisions for 24 hours after sedation.

What should I wear?

Comfortable, loose clothing and comfortable shoes. Leave jewelry, watches, and valuables at home.

What do I need to bring?

Photo ID, health insurance card, a list of your medications or the actual containers, and your inhaler if you use one.

Can I brush my teeth?

Yes — just do not swallow the water.

Can I smoke the morning of?

No. Do not smoke on the day of your procedure.

I am feeling sick today. Should I still come in?

If you have a fever, cough, flu, or chest pain, call us before coming in: (626) 284-1350. The procedure may need to be rescheduled.

I had surgery recently. Is that a problem?

If surgery was in the last 4–6 weeks, call our office right away at (626) 284-1350 before your appointment.

I am on hemodialysis. What do I need to do?

Complete your dialysis session the day before and coordinate with your dialysis clinic ahead of time.

I am on peritoneal dialysis. Anything different?

Continue as usual, but ask your dialysis clinic if you need an antibiotic before the procedure.

What happens if I don't confirm my appointment?

Your procedure may be canceled. Call (626) 284-1350 to confirm as soon as possible.

Can I reschedule?

Yes. Call (626) 284-1350, Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–6:00 PM and we'll find you a new date.

What if I have a question not answered here?

Call Dr. Ibarra's office directly at (626) 284-1350, Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–6:00 PM. The team will be happy to help.