Frequently Asked Questions

+ DO I NEED TO PURCHASE ANYTHING ELSE FOR MY PREP?

If your doctor prescribes the kit with laxatives, you’ll only need the kit plus water. If you receive the kit without laxatives, you’ll need to purchase the prescribed laxatives.

+ HOW LONG IS THE PREP PROCESS WITH HAPPY COLON FOODS?

The prep with Happy Colon Foods is one day. Traditional colon prep laxatives are given in one or two doses. The dosing of the Happy Colon Foods laxatives is 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 your system.

+ WHY DOES THIS PROCESS TAKE ALL DAY?

With Happy Colon Foods, the cleansing process is gentler on your body. Consuming small laxative doses with food throughout the day helps minimize negative side effects like bloating and nausea. The schedule is intentionally designed to mimic a typical day.

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

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

+ WHY DO I TAKE THE LAST DOSE SIX HOURS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE?

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 the last dose(s) is very important to prevent this buildup.

+ WHEN DO I START THE PROCESS IF MY PROCEDURE ISN'T UNTIL THE AFTERNOON OF THE FOLLOWING DAY?

The schedule in your instruction booklet has 7 Steps. Follow the provided schedule, as outlined. It is important to complete Steps 1-6 the day before your procedure. Complete Step 7 six hours before your procedure. This timing is important to ensure you are ready for your procedure.

+ WHAT IF I MISS THE LAST DOSE SIX HOURS BEFORE THE START OF MY PROCEDURE?

This may result in a less than optimal colon cleanse. Do not try to make it up by drinking within four hours of your procedure, as the sedation process requires four (4) hours of fasting. We suggest setting an alarm to make sure you consume the last dose.

+ 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 by 5 p.m. on your prep day, please call us for recommendations. We may suggest additional laxatives.

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

Rest assured — you are! Because this cleanse is much gentler on your system, some patients feel they have not fully evacuated and may not be completely empty. 98% of patients who follow the instructions are clean and have successful exams.

+ CAN I TAKE MY REGULAR MEDICATIONS?

On prep day, you may take all regular medications. On procedure day, take regular medications, except for blood thinners and diabetes medication. If you are unsure, talk with your doctor.

+ 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, lemonade, light colored sports drinks, soft drinks and broth. Do not consume anything red or purple.

+ CAN I SUBSTITUTE FOODS IN THIS KIT?

No. The provided foods are specifically selected for their digestibility. You may eat a portion of each item or skip foods you don’t want to eat, but do not add or substitute any solid foods while prepping. Consume the foods in the order specified in the instruction booklet.

+ DO THE FOODS IN THE KIT CONTAIN LAXATIVES?

No. The foods are laxative-free!

+ CAN I SEASON THE FOODS IN THE KIT?

Go for it! Any of the foods in the kit can be enhanced with milk, sugar, butter or spices. DO NOT add any solid foods like seeds, nuts or fruits.

+ WHY IS THE FOOD IN THE KIT PROCESSED?

We're all about being gut-friendly while you get ready for your colonoscopy. Processed foods are easy to digest and can therefore be consumed during the prep process.

+ WHAT IF I'M DIABETIC, ON A RESTRICTED DIET, OR HAVE FOOD ALLERGIES?

You can 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. The food in the kit is provided for your comfort; you may skip all or a portion of any food item if needed. Gluten-free kits are available; please call to order a gluten-free kit.

+ 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. The foods are numbered to help you keep track throughout the day.

+ DO I NEED TO PURCHASE ANYTHING ELSE FOR MY PREP?

If your doctor prescribes the kit with laxatives, you’ll only need the kit plus water. If you receive the kit without laxatives, you’ll need to purchase the prescribed laxatives.

+ IS IT COVERED BY INSURANCE?

Insurance coverage varies, but the most a patient will pay out of pocket is $49.95 + tax & shipping.

+ HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The Happy Colon Foods kit with laxatives is $49.95 plus tax & shipping. The food-only kit is $25 plus tax & shipping.

+ MY HEALTH BENEFITS PLAN IS REQUESTING A RECEIPT AND EXPLANATION LETTER; WHERE CAN I GET THIS?

Click here to print the explanation letter to submit with your receipt, or call us at (855) 423-6637 to obtain a copy of the letter.

+ HOW DO I ORDER A HAPPY COLON FOODS KIT?

You can order the kit here, or by calling us at 855.423.6637.

+ WHAT INFORMATION DO I NEED BEFORE PLACING AN ORDER?

You will need three things from your doctor before ordering: a provider code, your procedure date, and clarification on which kit to order (with or without laxatives).

+ HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR THE KIT TO ARRIVE?

Kits arrive in 1-5 business days, depending on your location. We recommend ordering at least seven business days prior to your procedure.