Your endoscopy results may be available immediately after the procedure. If your stomach can handle that, then you can start to return to your normal diet. Try eating something light, such as eggs or toast. Remember, you haven’t eaten in about 12 hours. Large quantities of food may also upset your stomach. However, during your endoscopy recovery, you may want to avoid certain foods that may cause stomach discomfort, such as foods high in fat. Once you are able to swallow normally, you may return to your normal diet. When the sedation wears off you will probably start to get hungry. However, you should avoid carbonated drinks, as they can cause gas and discomfort on an empty stomach. Make sure that you drink plenty of water throughout rest of the day, even if it hurts to swallow. The required fasting prior to your procedure can dehydrate you. Throat lozenges or sprays, as well as gargling with salt water, may also help reduce any lingering throat pain.Įndoscopy recovery tip #2: Watch what you eat and drinkĭuring your endoscopy recovery, make sure to drink plenty of fluids. Your body will be able to heal faster if you let yourself get some sleep. You will probably also have a mild sore throat for one or two days. It’s normal to experience bloating, nausea, or cramping for a short while following your procedure. The best thing to do after your endoscopy is rest. What should I do during my endoscopy recovery? Your doctor will probably also ask you to leave your jewelry at home and remove your glasses and dentures before the procedure. Wear clean, loose-fitting clothes without stiff hems, buttons, or other ornamentation that could cause you discomfort when lying on your side.

For this reason, your doctor will probably recommend that you avoid eating for at least eight hours before your endoscopy.Īlthough your endoscopy will only take about 15 to 30 minutes, laying still for that long can be uncomfortable, even with light sedation. It takes about six to eight hours for food to make its way from your esophagus, through your stomach and small intestine, and into your large intestine. This will allow them to see your gastrointestinal tract more easily. Your doctor will typically ask you to avoid eating or drinking for a certain amount of time before the procedure. Talk to your employer in advance so that you can give yourself the time you need to recover.Įndoscopy prep tip #3: Don’t eat or drink before your procedureĭuring your endoscopy, your physician will carefully guide the endoscope through your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. The sedative may have some lingering effects, such as nausea and disorientation. It’s also a good idea to make sure that you have the rest of the day off work so that you can rest. It can take up to 24 hours for the effects of the sedative to wear off completely, so plan ahead to have someone drive you home from the procedure. You will most likely be given light sedation to help you stay comfortable and relaxed during your endoscopy. Your physician will let you know if you need to change your medication schedule leading up to your endoscopy.Įndoscopy prep tip #2: Give yourself time to recover It’s equally important to let them know about any and all medications that you’re currently taking, even over-the-counter drugs and vitamins. Making sure that your doctor is familiar with your medical history -including your symptoms, medical conditions, and allergies-is an important step in preparing for any medical procedure. When your doctor recommends an endoscopy, there are certain things that you should discuss before the day of the procedure. How should I prepare for my endoscopy?Įndoscopy prep tip #1: Talk to your physician

Below, learn the right way to prepare for your endoscopy, as well as what to expect after it’s over. Taking a few minutes to learn about your endoscopy can help you plan ahead so that you can walk into the procedure worry-free. However, you’ll probably stay at the outpatient center or hospital for about an hour after the procedure while your sedation wears off. Typically, endoscopies take less than 30 minutes to perform. You’ll likely be given a light sedative before your endoscopy to help you stay comfortable during the procedure. This means that they will obtain a small piece of tissue to be tested for certain conditions, including celiac disease, gastritis, and cancer.Įndoscopies are safe outpatient procedures. Your physician may choose to perform a biopsy during your endoscopy. During an endoscopy, your doctor will diagnose and treat gastrointestinal conditions such as chronic heartburn, nausea, ulcers, and blockages. An endoscopy is a procedure used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper intestine.

Headache after anesthesia for endoscopy