Bowel Prep for Surgery In order to perform surgery safely, a bowel preparation is often recommended. The purpose is to empty the bowels of all fecal and food material. A very simple regimen is as follows: 1. The day before surgery, eat only a clear diet and no solid food. You may have jello, broths, and the like. Please, no fruits, vegtetables or other solid foods. 2. The day before surgery, drink one bottle of magnesium citrate at noon. Magnesium citrate can be purchased at most pharmacies. This will start the process of bowel cleansing. 3. The day before surgery, drink a second bottle of magnesium citrate at 6 pm. This continues the process of bowel cleansing. 4. Drink plenty of water during the day to prevent dehydration. 5. You may not eat or drink anything after midnight the day before surgery. 6. The morning before surgery, give yourself a mild enema. A Fleets enema is a good choice, again, this can be purchased at most drug stores. Wake up early enough to do this so that you are not late for the hospital. I realize that this seems like a big undertaking, but, it is very important for safe surgery. Please call the office with any questions.