That uneasy feeling in your gut after your colonoscopy is normal – but how long will it last? If you’re like most people, you probably went into your colonoscopy thinking the hardest part would be choking down that gallon jug of preparation solution. But now you’re finding the after-effects are no walk in the park either!

Don’t worry – the bloating, cramping, and other tummy troubles should improve within a few days. Though it may take a little longer for your bowel movements to get totally back to normal. Here’s what to expect and when you should call your doctor:

The day of your scope you’ll want to camp out near the bathroom. That’s because all the laxatives you took to clear out your colon can lead to some loose and frequent stools afterward. This liquid poop phase usually wraps up within 24-48 hours though.

Within 2 to 3 days, you should start passing more solid poop again. But it make take up to 5 days for your poop schedule and consistency to get back your regular normal. This is because your colon needs some time to recover from being inflated like a balloon and sucked dry.

If you had a biopsy or polyp taken out, you may notice some blood in your stool or on the toilet paper. This is normal, but call your doc if it’s more than just a few spots. Ongoing bleeding with multiple bowel movements could signal an issue.

As your resident poop guru, I’m here to give you the straight poop on what to expect from your poop after a colonoscopy. Let’s dive in!

Day of the Scope: Liquid Evacuations

Right after your colonoscopy, your colon is pissed. You spent the entire day before harassing it to empty itself out. Then some nosy doc came along and inflated it like a balloon animal.

So it’s going to take a some time for your colon to recover. Don’t expect your first bowel movements to be solid or normal.

Instead, anticipate loose stools and frequent trips to the toilet on the day of your colonoscopy. This liquid phase can last 24-48 hours post-scope.

Your colon’s still in shock and needs time to stabilize. Be patient and stick close to a bathroom during this liquid poop period.

Day 2 to 3: Transitioning Poops

Within 2-3 days after the procedure, you should notice your poop transitioning back to more solid form. The bloating and upset stomach should also start improving.

But your bowel movements likely won’t be totally normal yet. Expect your poop’s consistency, color, and frequency to be a bit off still.

Give your colon a pep talk at this point. Praise it for making good progress and starting to form healthier poop. Just keep swimming!

Day 4 to 5: Return to Regular Pooping

By days 4-5 post-colonoscopy, bowel movements typically return to your regular routine. The chaos and stress from the prep should be a distant memory now.

Your poop’s consistency and color should be back to your normal. And you should poop on your usual schedule again too.

Hooray for regular poop! Doing a happy poopy dance yet? I know I am!

If things still seem off after 5 days, talk to your doctor. There may be irritation, hemorrhoids, or another issue delaying your poop’s recovery.

Watch for Blood After Biopsies

If your doc took any biopsies during the colonoscopy, it’s common to spot occasional blood.

Seeing small amounts of blood on the toilet paper or in the bowl after a biopsy is normal. But call your doctor if you see:

Heavy bleeding
Blood with multiple bowel movements
Clots
Bright red blood that doesn’t taper off

This type of bleeding is more concerning. Don’t just shrug it off – get it checked.

Normal Pooping = Happy Colon

A healthy, happy colon equals healthy happy poop. Be patient with your poop as your colon recovers.

Within about 5 days after the scope, your bowel movements should be back on track. But don’t hesitate to call your doctor if anything seems off.

Get ready to cheer on your next good poop! It deserves some major celebration after what your colon’s been through.

What Should I Eat and Drink After a Colonoscopy?

You just had a gallon jug of bowel prep solution for lunch. Jello and broth were dinner. Safe to say your colonoscopy prep diet was lacking.

So now that your colonoscopy is over, you’re probably starving and ready to eat everything in sight. But is it okay to totally pig out right after your scope?

Here are some guidelines on what to eat and drink after your colonoscopy for a smooth recovery:

Right After: Liquids Only

When you first wake up from the colonoscopy, stick with clear liquids. This allows your colon time to recover from the procedure.

Sip on water, fruit juice without pulp, sports drinks, popsicles, gelatin, broth, or other liquids. Avoid any solids for the first few hours.

Follow your care team’s advice on when you can advance your diet after the procedure. Don’t gorge yourself right away.

First 24 Hours: Low Fiber, Low Fat

For the rest of the day after your colonoscopy, go easy on your colon. Keep eating light and low-fiber.

Good options include:

Broth or soup
Yogurt
Pudding
Milkshake
Mashed potatoes
Eggs
Tender cooked vegetables
Chicken
Fish
White bread

Avoid anything greasy, spicy, or heavy. And steer clear of high-fiber foods like beans, nuts, seeds, raw veggies, or whole grains.

Day 2 and Beyond: High Fiber!

Two days after your scope you can start working fiber back into your diet. In fact, high fiber foods can help get your bowel movements back to normal.

Some great fiber-rich choices are:

Oatmeal
Berries
Lentils
Artichokes
Split peas
Brown rice
Quinoa
Flax seeds

Just add high-fiber foods back gradually over several days. Too much too fast can cause gas or cramping.

Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, and nuts. And keep drinking lots of water.

Avoid Dehydration

Speaking of water – hydration is super important after your colonoscopy prep and procedure.

Your prep flushed out a massive amount of fluid. And the scope can cause fluid loss. So you may feel a bit dehydrated.

Combat this by drinking water, herbal tea, diluted juices, electrolyte sports drinks, broth, and other fluids. Your pee should be pale yellow.

Dehydration can cause headaches, dizziness, cramping, fatigue and other unpleasant issues. So guzzle those fluids!

Celebrate with a Special Treat

Yes, you should eat healthy, whole foods after your colonoscopy. But that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge a bit!

You just went through a miserable prep. Reward yourself with a special treat like:

A milkshake
Your favorite baked goodie
A bowl of ice cream
Chocolate
Fancy coffee drink

Just don’t go too crazy with super salty or fatty choices right away. Focus on feel-good foods that appeal to your soul.

What Are Warning Signs to Watch for After a Colonoscopy?

You sailed through your colonoscopy. But now you have some worrying symptoms. How do you know if it’s normal post-scope discomfort? Or a complication requiring prompt attention?

Here are key warning signs to watch for after your colonoscopy:

Heavy Rectal Bleeding

Spotting a few drops of blood after a biopsy is normal. But call your doctor if you have:

Bright red blood steadily oozing from your rectum
Heavy bleeding filling the toilet bowl
Blood clots
Bleeding with multiple bowel movements

This suggests a more serious bleed from the biopsy site or a polyp removal site. Don’t wait – call for help.

Severe Abdominal Pain

It’s common to have mild gas, bloating, or cramping after a colonoscopy. But severe or worsening pain needs evaluation.

Sharp pain alongside symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or high fever can signal:

Bowel perforation
Serious injury from the scope
Bleeding into the abdominal cavity

Call your doctor or get to an emergency room for severe post-colonoscopy pain.

Fever Above 101°F (38°C)

Low grade temperature up to 100°F is common after a colonoscopy, but higher fevers are concerning.

Fever over 101°F could indicate an infection like:

Bowel inflammation
Diverticulitis
Appendicitis

Make an appointment or go to urgent care for a high fever after your colonoscopy.

Vomiting for More Than 12 Hours

Throwing up once or twice after anesthesia is normal. But ongoing nausea and vomiting suggest issues like:

Bowel obstruction
Gastroenteritis
Dehydration
Electrolyte imbalance

If vomiting persists despite anti-nausea meds, call your doctor. You may need IV fluids.

No Bowel Movements After 5 Days

It’s normal for bowel movements to take 2-3 days to return to normal after a colonoscopy prep. But after 5 days with no poop, there could be:

Severe dehydration
Blocked bowel
Paralytic ileus

No poop for 5+ days warrants a call to the doctor to rule out impaction or obstruction. Laxatives or enemas may be needed.

Listen to your body and call for help if anything seems off after your scope. Don’t wait – get concerning symptoms evaluated promptly. Better safe than sorry!

In Conclusion: Patience for Poop’s Return

Give your poop some TLC after a colonoscopy. Be patient while your bowel movements recover.

Expect things to be a bit weird at first. Liquid poop is normal the day of the procedure.

Within 2-3 days, your poop should start solidifying up again. And you should be back to your regular poop schedule by days 4-5 post-scope.

Boost your gut health with hydration, fiber, fruits, veggies, and probiotics. Avoid fatty, greasy foods at first.

Call your doctor for bleeding, severe pain, vomiting, fever, or no poop in 5 days. But in most cases, normality will return within about a week.

Congratulations on making it through your colonoscopy! I hope this poop primer helps smooth your recovery. Let me know if you have any other poop questions – I’m happy to help!