Your Gut, Explained.
Step-by-step guides for every procedure, condition, and question you're afraid to ask.
What your symptoms actually mean
Not every ache is an emergency. Not every symptom can wait. Here's an honest guide to what's happening — and when to act.
Acid Reflux & Heartburn
Burning sensation after meals, sour taste, or discomfort when lying down.
Most reflux is manageable. See a doctor if symptoms occur more than 2×/week or disrupt sleep.
Bloating & Gas
Persistent fullness, visible distension, or excessive gas after meals.
Often dietary. Concerning if accompanied by weight loss, blood, or pain that wakes you at night.
Bowel Habit Changes
Diarrhea or constipation lasting more than 3 weeks, or alternating between both.
Persistent changes warrant evaluation, especially after age 45 or with family history of colon cancer.
Blood in Stool
Bright red blood, black/tarry stools, or blood mixed into the stool.
Always needs evaluation. Could range from hemorrhoids to polyps. Do not wait to be seen.
Abdominal Pain
Cramping, sharp pain, or pressure that recurs or has worsened over weeks.
Location and timing matter. Lower left pain, pain with eating, or pain waking you at night need assessment.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing 5% or more of body weight without trying over 6–12 months.
Unintentional GI weight loss is a red flag that always merits prompt evaluation regardless of other symptoms.
Not sure which category fits you?
A 15-minute telehealth triage visit can give you a clear answer — no waiting room required.
Exactly what will happen, step by step
The unknown is the hardest part. Here's a precise, honest timeline so you know what to expect at every hour.
Dietary Adjustments
7 days beforeAvoid high-fiber foods, seeds, and nuts. Eat low-residue meals — white rice, eggs, lean protein.
Clear Liquid Diet
1 day beforeWater, broth, clear juice, and gelatin only. Nothing red or purple. Stay hydrated — it helps the prep work.
Prep Solution (Part 1)
Evening beforeMix and drink the first half of your prescribed bowel prep. Expect to stay near the bathroom for 2–4 hours.
Prep Solution (Part 2)
Morning ofComplete the second dose 5–6 hours before your procedure. Stop all liquids 2 hours before arrival.
Check-in & IV Placement
At the clinicArrive 30 minutes early. A nurse places an IV for sedation medication. You'll change into a gown.
Sedation & Scope
During procedurePropofol sedation works in seconds — most patients have no memory of the procedure. It lasts 20–30 minutes.
Wake-up & Results
RecoveryYou'll wake in 10–15 minutes. Your doctor will share preliminary findings before you leave. No driving for 24 hours.
Download Your Prep Guide
Already scheduled? Get the full printable prep instructions.
Questions before your procedure?
Our patient navigators answer prep questions by secure message — same day.
Decoding your pathology report
Pathology reports are written for doctors. We've translated the most common findings into plain language — and what each one means for your next steps.
Hyperplastic polyp
NormalA small, benign growth with essentially no cancer risk.
Next step: Routine colonoscopy in 10 years unless multiple found.
Tubular adenoma
WatchA precancerous growth that was removed during your procedure.
Next step: Follow-up colonoscopy in 3–5 years depending on size and number.
Villous adenoma
Follow-up neededA flat, higher-risk precancerous polyp. Removed during procedure.
Next step: Follow-up in 1–3 years. May require repeat evaluation of removal site.
Dysplasia
Follow-up neededCells that look abnormal under a microscope — a precancerous change.
Next step: Low-grade: repeat in 1 year. High-grade: surgical consultation recommended.
Colitis (non-specific)
WatchInflammation of the colon lining without a specific identified cause.
Next step: Further testing to determine if IBD, infection, or medication-related.
Normal mucosa
NormalThe lining of your colon looks completely healthy and unremarkable.
Next step: No action needed. Next routine screening in 10 years.
What happens after you leave the clinic
Your doctor reviews preliminary findings before you leave recovery.
Final pathology results arrive. Your care team calls or messages you directly.
Follow-up appointment to discuss results, answer questions, and plan next steps.
Next colonoscopy interval — determined by what was found (or not found).
When to call your doctor after a procedure
Fever over 101°F, severe abdominal pain, significant rectal bleeding (more than a tablespoon), or difficulty swallowing after upper endoscopy. These are uncommon but warrant a same-day call.
Book Your Consultation
Three questions. That's all we need to connect you with the right gastroenterologist — in person or by video.