Upper Endoscopy (EGD) Preparation Instructions

Please carefully review all instructions on this page before the day of your procedure. It is very important that all guidelines are followed so the procedure can be performed safely and without delay.

Plan ahead for your visit

• Arrange a responsible adult to drive you to your procedure and accompany you home afterward. You cannot drive yourself home after sedation.
• Bring a current list of your medications and doses to your appointment.
• Bring a photo ID and your insurance card.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave valuables at home.
• Plan to spend approximately 2 to 3 hours at the facility from check-in to discharge.

An upper endoscopy (also called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD) is an examination of the upper digestive tract: the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Your gastroenterologist uses a thin, flexible tube with a small camera at the end to look for the cause of symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, nausea, or bleeding.

The exam itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will be given sedation through an IV to help you relax and stay comfortable. Many patients do not remember the procedure afterward, which is normal.

Solid food

• Do not eat any solid food after midnight the night before your procedure.

Clear liquids

You may continue to drink clear liquids only after midnight, up until 4 hours before your scheduled procedure time. Staying lightly hydrated with clear liquids can help you feel better on the morning of your procedure.

• Water
• Chicken, beef, or vegetable broth; consommé
• Sodas (Sprite or other clear sodas)
• Sports drinks such as Gatorade (no red, blue, or purple)
• Juice popsicles (no red, blue, or purple)
• Black coffee (no cream or milk; sugar is okay)
• Tea (no cream or milk)
• Clear Jell-O (no red, blue, or purple)
• Clear, hard candy

Avoid all red, blue, or purple drinks or liquids, alcohol, milk, juice with pulp, smoothies, and anything you cannot see through.

Most medications can be continued as prescribed and taken with a small sip of water on the morning of your procedure, unless otherwise instructed. However, some medications may need to be adjusted or held. Please notify our office in advance if you take any of the following.

Blood thinners

Do not stop aspirin unless instructed by your physician. If you take any other blood thinner, you will need additional instructions from the doctor who manages that medication. Examples include:

• Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Plavix
• Xarelto
• Eliquis
• Pradaxa
• Brilinta
• Lovenox
• Heparin
• Any other blood thinner not listed here

Diabetes medications and insulin

Because you will be fasting from solid food, your blood sugar can drop. Please call the doctor who manages your diabetes to discuss how to adjust your medications around the procedure.

• Do not take your oral diabetes medication on the morning of your procedure unless otherwise instructed.
• If you take injectable insulin, we generally recommend holding your morning dose.
• If you have an insulin pump, ask your prescribing doctor for off-pump and adjusted-rate instructions.
• Keep glucose tablets nearby in case of a sudden drop in blood sugar.

Weight loss medications

For medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, stop them 1 week before the procedure unless otherwise instructed by your physician. Diet medications such as phentermine should also be discussed with our office in advance.

Pacemaker or internal defibrillator

If you have a pacemaker or internal defibrillator, please let our office know in advance and bring your device card with you on the day of your procedure.

The facility will contact you 24 to 48 hours before your procedure to provide your scheduled arrival time.

Recovery and rest

• Recovery from sedation usually takes approximately one hour.
• Sedation effects may last for the remainder of the day.
• You must have a responsible adult available to drive you to and from the procedure center.
• Do not drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol, sign legal documents, or return to work for the rest of the day.
• You may usually resume normal activities the following day.

What is normal after an EGD

• A mild sore throat or scratchy feeling, which is very common and usually goes away within 24 to 48 hours. Warm liquids and throat lozenges can help.
• Mild bloating or gas from air introduced during the exam, which should pass on its own.
• Slight grogginess from sedation through the end of the day.

Eating and drinking after the procedure

Most patients can return to a normal diet once they feel awake and the sedation has worn off, unless your physician gives you specific dietary instructions. Start with small sips of water and light foods before resuming your usual meals.