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DownloadThis leaflet is for patients who are preparing for colonoscopy to guide them on the low residue diet required before a colonoscopy procedure. This is a very important part of the preparation for the colonoscopy. It helps to make sure the bowel is clean for the procedure and that the endoscopist can see everything clearly.
A well-balanced diet contains fibre that helps with digestion and absorption of nutrients and water. However, it also helps bulking in stools (poo) and this diet can leave behind residue when preparing for a colonoscopy and makes seeing and performing the procedure harder.
Please eat a low residue diet which helps to ensure your bowel is clean for the procedure.
Two days before your procedure, only eat a low residue diet, which means foods from the allowed column in the table below. Do not eat any high residue/fibre foods.
This information is to compliment the bowel preparation guidance you will be given, the time you will need to stop eating prior to colonoscopy will depend on the time of your procedure.
Food Type
Food ALLOWED
Food to AVOID
Food Type
Food ALLOWED
Food to AVOID
Food Type
Food ALLOWED
Food to AVOID
Food Type
Food ALLOWED
Food to AVOID
Food Type
Food ALLOWED
Food to AVOID
Food Type
Food ALLOWED
Food to AVOID
Food Type
Food ALLOWED
Food to AVOID
Food Type
Food ALLOWED
Food to AVOID
If you have any concerns about your treatment or care, please bring them to our attention. We will do our best to help.
If you feel you would like some support with raising your concerns, the Patient’s Advocate is available to speak on your behalf.
You can contact the Patient’s Advocate by telephone between 10am and 4pm on:
01444 441881 Extension. 65909 (Princess Royal Hospital) or 01273 696955 Extension. 64029 or 64588 (Royal Sussex County Hospital) Or by email at uhsussex.patient.experience@nhs.net for either site.
We always welcome new ideas and suggestions. Please let us know if you feel there are ways in which we could improve our service.
Thank you for taking the time to read this leaflet, if there is anything at all that you don’t understand, or you have any questions, please ask a nurse at the unit, or call us on 01273 696955 Extension. 64570 for the Royal Sussex County Hospital and 01444 441881 Extension. 68187 for the Princess Royal Hospital.
This information is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton & Hove or Haywards Heath.
The information in this leaflet is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.
Publication Date: April 2022
Review Date: January 2025