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Preparing for a procedure

Colonoscopy

Step 1: Diet (Start 3 Days Before)

  • Follow a White / Low-Residue Diet. This reduces fibre and helps clean the bowel.

Allowed foods:

  • White bread, white rice, plain pasta, lean chicken, fish, eggs, cheese, yoghurt (no fruit pieces), potatoes (no skin), plain crackers

Avoid:

  • Whole grains, seeds, nuts, fruit and vegetables (especially skins/seeds), red or purple foods/drinks

Step 2: Day Before Procedure

  • Switch to Clear Fluids Only

  • Water, clear broth, apple juice, black tea/coffee (no milk), electrolyte drinks (avoid red/purple)

Step 3: Bowel Preparation – Plenvu

  • You will take Plenvu in two doses (split dosing).

Dose 1 – Evening Before (around 6pm)

  • Drink Dose 1 of Plenvu as directed

  • Follow with at least 500ml of clear fluids

  • Continue drinking extra clear fluids to stay hydrated

Dose 2 – Morning of Procedure

  • Take Dose 2 (both sachets A & B) approximately 4–5 hours before your procedure

  • Finish at least 2 hours before your appointment

  • Again, drink at least 500 mL of clear fluids

What to expect:

  • Frequent, watery bowel motions

  • Stay near a toilet

  • Mild bloating or cramping is common

Step 4: Medications

  • If you are on blood thinners, diabetes medications, or insulin, follow your doctor’s specific instructions.

Step 5: On the Day

  • No solid food.

  • Stop all fluids 2 hours before.

  • You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home.

  • You will need to rest for the remainder of the day following the procedure.

Tips for a successful procedure:

  • Chill the Plenvu and drink through a straw if needed

  • Keep hydrated—this makes the prep easier and safer

  • A clear or yellow liquid stool means you are ready

Gastroscopy

Step 1: Fasting

  • Do not eat for 6 hours before your procedure (if taking a GLP-1 agonist eg. Ozempic or Mounjaro, then also only have clear fluids starting 24 hours before). 

  • Clear fluids allowed up to 2 hours before (water, black tea/coffee, clear apple juice).

Step 2: Medications

  • Take your usual medications with a small sip of water unless advised otherwise.

  • If you are on blood thinners, diabetes medications, or insulin, follow your doctor’s specific instructions.

Step 3: On the Day

  • You will usually receive sedation.

  • You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home.

  • You will need to rest for the remainder of the day following the procedure.

Dr Matthew Peverelle, Gastroenterologist in Melbourne, performing a day procedure
RACP logo with crest and the words 'RACP Specialists. Together. Educate. Advocate. Innovate.'

Professional Affiliations

Centre for GI Health logo with circular blue icon and black text.
Logo for the Endoscopy Centre with three abstract figures in orange, blue, and green, and the center's name.
Logo of Mulgrave Private Hospital with black text on a white background.
Bayside Health logo in blue text.
Logo for Springvale Endoscopy Centre featuring a stylized red and blue S shape with the center's name.
The Monash Health logo featuring a stylized purple M and the company name in purple text.
Logo of the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) with black and blue graphic elements and text.
EASL logo with hexagon shapes and the tagline 'The Home of Hepatology'.
Logo of St. John of God Berwick Hospital featuring a stylized rose and cross symbol.