Day Before Preparation for Colon Surgery

The day before colon surgery requires you to cleanse your colon entirely, which means cutting out solid foods and consuming easily digested foods or an all-liquid diet. Your doctor may prescribe a laxative to use with water the day before surgery, followed by complete elimination of food and liquids after a specific time. Follow your physician's directions closely, as your surgery cannot be performed if there is waste remaining in your colon.

Prescription Laxative

• Your physician may prescribe "GoLYTELY," a laxative that cleanses the colon. According to Drugs.com, the laxative solution creates more water in the intestinal tract, which promotes bowel movements. Your doctor will normally recommend that you mix GoLYTELY with one gallon of distilled water, and drink 8 oz. every hour. You should not take the laxative solution if you have perforated bowel, severe constipation, colitis, toxic megacolon or a bowel obstruction, as these conditions can be life-threatening when mixed with the laxative.

Restricted Diet

• Along with prescription laxatives, your food intake should be limited to applesauce, beef broth, chicken broth and gelatin. These foods are easy to digest and will not leave residue in the colon. If you decide to eat gelatin, avoid red gelatin as it can temporarily stain your colon, which can appear as irritation or blood during colon surgery. These foods are allowed until the day before surgery, and after that you will only drink the laxative and water mixture. You can drink the mixture until midnight, and after that time you are restricted from all food and liquids, including water.

Medications

• If you take aspirins or blood thinners, you will be required to stop taking them until after the surgery is complete. According to Surgery Channel, medications must be discontinued to ensure you don't bleed excessively during surgery. Talk to your physician if there is a medication you must take every day to determine the safest option for you.