Frequently Asked Questions

+ WHEN DO I START THE PROCESS?

Follow the schedule as outlined in the instruction booklet. It is important to complete Steps 1-6 the day BEFORE your procedure, regardles of your appointment time. Complete Step 7 FOUR (4) hours before your procedure time.

+ CAN I GO TO WORK THE DAY I USE HAPPY COLON FOODS?

Yes. Because we use smaller doses of laxatives spread throughout the day, many patients can work either part or most of their prep day. However, patients vary and therefore should use best judgement. Keep in mind that having access to a microwave is necessary to heat meals.

+ DO I HAVE TO EAT ALL THE FOOD IN THE KIT?

No. The food is for your comfort. You may eat a portion of each item or skip something entirely. Make sure you do not change the order of the foods, and DO NOT substitute other foods for items in the kit. The foods are numbered to help you keep track throughout the day.

+ I ONLY WEIGH ABOUT 110 LBS (OR LESS); DO I HAVE TO DRINK THIS MUCH WATER EACH TIME?

You may use 16 ounces of water to mix each laxative dose. If you’ve had gaststric bypass surgery, please call us for possible adjustments to your fluid intake.

+ WHAT IF I’M A DIABETIC OR ON A RESTRICTED DIET?

You can still use Happy Colon Foods, unless you have an allergy to any of the components in the kit. If you have dietary concerns please review the ingredients of each item before consuming. Remember, the food is there for your comfort.

+ CAN I TAKE MY REGULAR MEDICATIONS?

On your prep day, you may take all regular medication, except blood thinners and diabetes medication. All other medications, check with your physician’s office.

+ WHEN WILL I START TO HAVE BOWEL MOVEMENTS?

This varies. Patients typically have their first bowel movement within two to three hours after their first laxative dose and experience gradually looser bowel movements throughout the day. If you have not had any bowel movements after the 5pm Mag Citrate dose, please call us at (855) 423-6637 for recommendations. We may suggest additional laxatives.

+ WHAT IF I FEEL I'M NOT COMPLETELY "CLEANED OUT"?

Because this cleanse is much gentler on your system, some patients feel they have not fully evacuated. However, nearly all patients who follow the instructions are clean and have successful exams.

+ WHY DO I TAKE THE LAST DOSE FOUR (4) HOURS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE? THAT COULD BE VERY EARLY IN THE MORNING.

This is called split dosing. If you stop taking all laxatives the night before your procedure, bile and mucous will build up in your right colon over the next 10-14 hours and make visualization difficult. Taking this last dose is very important to prevent this buildup. Pro tip: Mix ahead of time.

+ WHAT IF I MISS THE LAST DOSE FOUR (4) HOURS BEFORE THE START OF MY PROCEDURE?

This may result in a colon cleanse that is less than optimal. You may still consume the final dose until four (4) hours before your procedure, but do not try to make it up if you are within four (4) hours of your procedure, as the sedation process requires four (4) hours of fasting.

+ CAN I DRINK MORE LIQUID THAN THE AMOUNTS SPECIFIED IN THE INSTRUCTIONS?

Yes! You may drink additional clear liquids as you wish. Clear liquids include, tea, coffee, soda, lemonade, light colored sports drinks and broth. Do not drink juices with pulp and do not consume anything red or purple.

+ WHAT ARE THE DRINK MIX PACKETS FOR?

The drink mixes add flavor and electrolytes to the GERICARE powder. They are colorless and sugar-free. DO NOT mix GERICARE with anything carbonated. The mixes are optional but highly recommended.

+ WHY DOES THIS PREP TAKE ALL DAY?

Traditional colon prep laxatives are given in one or two doses. The dosing of the laxatives with the Happy Colon Foods kit are intentionally scheduled throughout the day to mimic a typical diet, with 3 meals, 3 snacks and flavored drinks. Taking smaller doses throughout the day minimizes side effects and allows the cleansing process to be a lot gentler on our system.