Pre & Post-Procedure Instructions

Pre-Op Instructions

7 Days Prior

• Pick up your prescribed bowel prep solution from the pharmacy. Do not wait until the last minute.
• Stop taking iron supplements and fiber supplements (Metamucil, Citrucel, Benefiber).
• Stop blood thinners, diabetes meds, or GLP-1s ONLY as directed by Dr. Maher. Call the office if you have not received instructions.
• Confirm a responsible adult can drive you home.

5 Days Prior

• Begin a low-residue diet. Avoid nuts, seeds, popcorn, raw vegetables with skin, whole grains, and red meat.

1 Day Prior

• Clear liquid diet for the entire day. No solid foods. Avoid anything red or purple.
• Begin drinking the first half of your prep solution around 6:00 PM following the directions on your prescription.

Morning of Procedure

• Complete the second half of your prep solution 4 to 6 hours before your scheduled arrival.
• Take approved morning medications with a small sip of water.
• Stop all liquids 2 to 4 hours before arrival.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Leave jewelry at home.
• Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and medication list.

Post-Op Instructions

Immediate Recovery

• You will rest in our recovery area for 20 to 30 minutes while sedation wears off.
• Mild bloating and gas are completely normal as air is cleared from the colon.
• A small amount of blood with your first bowel movement is normal, especially if polyps were removed.
• Grogginess or fatigue for the rest of the day is expected.

Activity & Diet

• For 24 hours after sedation, do not: drive, operate machinery, make important financial or legal decisions, or drink alcohol.
• You must have a responsible adult drive you home.
• You may eat normally unless Dr. Maher gives different instructions. Start with something light and easy to digest.

Results & Follow-Up

• Dr. Maher will speak with you about initial findings before you leave.
• If polyps were removed and sent for biopsy, our office will contact you with full results, usually within a few business days.

Pre-Op Instructions

7 Days Prior

• Contact our office if you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, or GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro. Do not stop any medication without speaking to us first.
• Stop taking iron supplements.
• Secure a responsible adult to drive you home after the procedure.

1 Day Prior & Evening Before

• You may eat normally throughout the day. There is no special diet required.
• Eat a light dinner and finish eating by midnight.
• After midnight, do not eat any solid food.

Morning of Procedure

• Do not eat or drink anything for at least 6 to 8 hours before your scheduled arrival. An empty stomach is essential for safety.
• You may take approved morning medications with a small sip of water at least 2 hours before your arrival time.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Leave jewelry at home.
• Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and medication list.

Post-Op Instructions

Immediate Recovery

• You will rest in our recovery area for 20 to 30 minutes while sedation wears off.
• A mild sore throat that fades within a day or two is normal.
• Slight bloating from the small amount of air used during the exam is normal.
• Expect grogginess for the rest of the day from sedation.

Activity & Diet

• For 24 hours after sedation, do not: drive, operate machinery, make important decisions, or drink alcohol.
• You must have a responsible adult take you home.
• You may eat and drink after the procedure, starting with small sips of water and working up to soft foods.

Results & Follow-Up

• Dr. Maher will talk with you before you leave and explain what he found.
• If biopsies were taken, results are typically available within a few business days. Our office will contact you directly.

Pre-Op Instructions

7 Days Prior

• Contact our office if you take iron supplements, blood thinners, diabetes medications, or GLP-1 medications.
• Let our office know if you have a known history of strictures (narrowing) in your digestive tract.

1 Day Prior

• Eat a light breakfast and lunch.
• Switch to a clear liquid diet for the rest of the day after lunch. Do not eat any solid food.
• After 10:00 PM, do not eat or drink anything.

Morning of Procedure

• Arrive with an empty stomach. Do not eat or drink anything before arriving.
• Take essential morning medications with a small sip of water at least 2 hours before your appointment — confirm with our office first.
• Wear a two-piece outfit. You will need to wear a sensor belt around your waist. Avoid dresses or one-piece clothing.
• No driver is required. Capsule endoscopy does not involve sedation. You may drive yourself.

Post-Op Instructions

During the Test

• During the first 2 hours: Do not eat or drink. Move around normally. Light walking helps the capsule travel.
• After 2 hours: You may begin drinking clear liquids.
• After 4 hours: You may eat a light snack or small meal.
• Throughout the day: Avoid strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, or repeated bending. Stay away from MRI machines and strong magnetic fields.

After the Test

• At the end of the recording period (typically 8 to 12 hours), return to our office or remove the sensor belt at home following the provided instructions.
• The capsule will pass naturally in your stool, usually within 24 to 72 hours. You do not need to retrieve it.
• If the capsule has not passed within two weeks, contact our office.

Results

• Dr. Maher personally reviews every image. You can expect to hear from our office with results within a few business days.

Pre-Op Instructions

Before Your Appointment

• Fast for at least 3 hours prior to your appointment time. Do not eat solid foods or drink heavy liquids.
• You may drink a small amount of clear water if needed to take medications.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the right side of your rib cage.
• Bring your photo ID and insurance card.
• No driver is required. FibroScan is a completely non-invasive, ultrasound-like procedure with no sedation.

Post-Op Instructions

After Your Exam

• There is absolutely no recovery time needed following a FibroScan.
• You may resume eating, drinking, and all normal activities immediately.
• You can drive yourself home or back to work right away.

Results

• Dr. Maher will review the liver stiffness and fat accumulation scores with you to discuss next steps.

Pre-Op Instructions

7 Days Prior

• Contact our office if you take blood thinners. These may need to be paused to reduce bleeding risk. Do not stop any medication without speaking to us first.
• Continue taking stool softeners if Dr. Maher has recommended them. Staying regular helps with comfort and healing.

1 Day Prior

• No special diet is required. Eat and drink normally.
• Stay well hydrated, as hydration supports softer stools and smoother recovery.

Morning of Procedure

• Eat a light breakfast or meal before your appointment. Hemorrhoid banding does not require fasting.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
• Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and medication list.
• No driver is required. Hemorrhoid banding does not involve sedation. You may drive yourself.

Post-Op Instructions

Immediate Recovery

• A dull ache or feeling of fullness in the rectal area is normal in the first 24 to 48 hours.
• You may feel a sensation of needing to have a bowel movement.
• Minor spotting or light bleeding, especially during bowel movements, is normal.

Activity & Diet

• Avoid heavy lifting and straining for 48 to 72 hours.
• Do not sit for extended periods. Take short walks to promote circulation.
• Drink plenty of water and eat high-fiber foods to keep stools soft.
• Most patients return to work and normal activities the same day or the next day.

Pain Relief & Healing

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for the first few days, as they can increase bleeding risk.
• Use a sitz bath (warm water for 10 to 15 minutes) two to three times per day to reduce discomfort.
• The banded hemorrhoid will shrink and fall off on its own, usually within 3 to 7 days. You may not notice when this happens.