Preparing for Surgery
What to Expect before your Colonoscopy or Endoscopy
The thought of getting a colonoscopy or upper GI endoscopy can cause some anxiety, but there is no need to worry! Our state of the art facility is designed with patients in mind and your comfort and health are of utmost importance to us.
Please make sure to read understanding how different types of colonoscopies are billed".
Who should I speak to?
When calling to make an appointment at East Texas Surgery Center, please make sure to let the intake nurse know of any medications or herbal supplements you are taking. Please make sure to inform us of any blood thinning medications, including Coumadin, Plavix, Eliquis, etc.
How should I prepare?
The best outcome of any colonoscopy is dependent on a good bowel preparation. Please follow your instructions carefully and call our office 24 hours in advance if you do not understand or have questions about the prep. You will be given bowel preparation instructions after your appointment with Dr. Ebrahim or you can access them online.
What should I wear?
On the day of your appointment, please bring your new patient forms with you or complete them online. Please dress comfortably ,and you may want to bring a sweater. Please leave your jewelry and other valuables at home.
Can I drive myself home?
On the day of your procedure, you will need to have someone drive you home. The driver will need to be available to stay during the entire procedure, receive your post-procedure instructions and see you safely home. Please make sure the driver is a trusted friend or loved one above the age of 18.
What happens after my procedure?
After your procedure, Dr. Ebrahim will come discuss her findings with you. She will tell you whether she took out polyps and how many. However, there is still more work to be done.. Your polyps or tissue specimens will be sent to another kind of physician, called a pathologist, who will look at your specimens under the microscope and can tell us more details about them. It may take up to a week to get these results. Dr. Ebrahim may have you make an appointment to discuss these results, but most of the time, they will be discussed by her assistant with you.
You will receive a set of discharge instructions from the surgery center. Please follow these carefully and take it easy for the rest of the day. You are not allowed to drive that day and you should not schedule any important “decision-making” situations or sign contracts as the anesthesia may have a a lingering effect. You are typically ok to go to work the following day after a colonoscopy or upper GI endoscopy.