7. Finish the colonoscopy prep—all of it!
While it may be tempting to stop taking all of the prep if your stool is running clear, it’s essential to complete all of the steps. In fact, it’s not uncommon for the laxative effects to kick in right away and within the first few bathroom trips!
However, even if you begin to “run clear” (this means that your stools are lighter in color and have turned liquid), it’s essential to finish the whole colonoscopy prep process.
Many prep products include several pills or drinks to take—make sure you take them all for a complete cleanout and effective scope. If you feel like quitting early, just remind yourself that the prep is the hardest part!