Can I Eat Sausage Before a Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopies are common medical procedures used to examine the colon and rectum for abnormalities. Proper preparation is crucial for an effective colonoscopy. This includes following a restricted diet in the days leading up to the procedure. A common question many patients have is “can I eat sausage before a colonoscopy?”.

Why Dietary Restrictions Before a Colonoscopy Are Important

Your doctor will provide detailed instructions on what you can and cannot eat in the days before your colonoscopy. The purpose of dietary restrictions is to clean out your colon as much as possible. This allows your doctor to get a clear view of your colon lining during the colonoscopy procedure.

Eating the wrong foods before a colonoscopy can result in stool and debris left over in your colon This is problematic because it can obscure polyps or other abnormalities Your doctor may be unable to complete the procedure if your colon is not properly cleared out,

Foods like sausage are restricted because:

• They are high in fat which can slow down digestion. Food should pass through your colon more rapidly when preparing for a colonoscopy.

• Fibrous casings of sausages can leave residue in the colon.

• Spices and seasonings on sausages can also irritate the colon lining.

Typical Dietary Restrictions Before a Colonoscopy

In the 3 days leading up to your colonoscopy, you’ll be instructed to follow a low residue diet This diet limits high fiber foods that can leave residue behind in your colon

Your doctor will likely provide you with diet guidelines that restrict

• Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, oats
• Whole grain breads and cereals
• Raw fruits and vegetables (except bananas)
• Dried fruits and prunes
• Nuts and seeds
• Red meat
• Spicy, fried, and fatty foods

Instead, you’ll be advised to choose low fiber foods like:

• White bread, white rice, plain pasta
• Lean poultry and white fish
• Canned or cooked fruits and vegetables without skin or seeds
• Eggs
• Milk and yogurt
• Clear liquids like juices without pulp

Can I Eat Sausage Before My Colonoscopy?

The answer is no, sausages should be avoided in the days leading up to your colonoscopy. Sausages fall into several categories of foods to abstain from:

• High fat and fried foods – Sausages are high in fat from the meat and oil used to cook them. Fatty foods can linger in your colon.

• Red meat – Red meat like pork, beef or lamb found in sausages take longer to digest. Stick to lean poultry and fish that digest more rapidly.

• Spices and seasonings – Most sausages are seasoned with garlic, pepper and other spices that can irritate the colon.

• Casings – The intestinal casings on sausages can leave fibrous residue. Stick to ground meat rather than sausages in casings.

Instead of sausage, choose lean pork or chicken breasts that are grilled, baked or broiled. Remove any skin or visible fat before cooking. Season lightly with salt and avoid spicy seasonings.

When to Start Dietary Restrictions Before Colonoscopy

Typically you’ll need to start a low residue diet 3 days before your colonoscopy. For example:

• Colonoscopy scheduled for Friday: Start diet on Tuesday
• Colonoscopy scheduled for Monday: Start diet on Friday
• Colonoscopy scheduled for Wednesday: Start diet on Sunday

Follow your doctor’s specific instructions, as some recommend starting the diet 5-7 days in advance. Be diligent about restricting high fiber foods several days prior to increase the chances of a successful colonoscopy.

Following a Liquid Diet and Bowel Prep

The day before your colonoscopy, you’ll progress to a clear liquid diet only. No solid foods are allowed at this stage. Stick to clear juices, tea, water, clear broths and pulp-free juices.

You’ll also need to complete a bowel prep which cleans out your colon by inducing diarrhea. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully on when to start and complete the bowel prep. Common prep agents are MoviPrep, MiraLax or magnesium citrate.

Stay near a toilet once you start drinking the bowel prep as it works very quickly! You’ll likely need to be on a liquid diet and stay close to a bathroom on procedure day as well.

Can I Have Coffee Before My Colonoscopy?

You may be wondering about other common foods and drinks like coffee. Black coffee and tea are allowed on the day prior as part of your clear liquid diet. Just avoid adding cream, milk or non-dairy creamers which are not permitted.

On the actual day of your colonoscopy, you’ll need to abstain from all solids and liquids for at least 2 hours beforehand. This includes avoiding coffee, water and all other beverages during this time.

Follow your doctor’s specific guidelines on when to start fasting before your scheduled colonoscopy.

Eating After Your Colonoscopy

Once your colonoscopy is complete, your doctor will let you know when you can start eating again. You may be able to start with clear liquids first. Followed by resuming your normal diet if you feel up to it.

Start slow with bland foods like crackers, broth, toast or rice in case you experience bloating or diarrhea initially. Avoid heavy, greasy foods right away. Drink plenty of fluids as well.

Be alert for any continued abdominal pain, bleeding or fever after your colonoscopy which could indicate complications. Notify your doctor right away if you have any concerning symptoms after the procedure.

The Takeaway

Preparing for your colonoscopy with dietary restrictions allows for the most effective procedure possible. While it may seem tempting, avoid sausage, red meat and other high fiber foods in the days before your colonoscopy. Stick to the diet guidelines from your doctor.

Thoroughly cleaning out your colon is crucial and requires discipline to avoid certain foods. But the minor inconvenience pays off by allowing your doctor to see your colon clearly during the colonoscopy. Adhering to the preparation protocol ensures accurate results from this potentially lifesaving procedure.