Regularity honeymoon over.

When I began eating less a few months ago, my regularity went down the toilet.. Pun intended.  The less I ate, the less I crapped.  Immediately after surgery I began going every day again. It was so nice. But now, nearly six weeks out, I'm back to every four days or so.  The odd thing about it, is that I don't feel like I "have" to go.  But when I do.. I really have to work it it. It can take 20 mins of bathroom time to produce something between the size of a tennis ball and baseball.  At the suggestion of my surgeon, I have been taking stool softeners daily for about five days.. But so far, nothing.

Question 1.
Am I being overly concerned about this? I talked to one RNY'r who told me she goes every two weeks sometimes.

Question 2.
My doctor suggested stool softener.. My NUT suggested Milk of Magnesia.  Others have suggested Miralax.  I have read about fiber you can dissolve in your liquids.  Any suggestions?

Question 3.
How do you know when you are ABUSING laxatives?

Question 4.
What kind of soluble fiber have you guys used?

1.I don't think you're being overly concerned.  I went every day prior to surgery but I used a lot of metamucil.  I was hesitant to continue that regimen after surgery because of the amount I used and the need to drink a lot of water with the doses, which I don't think I can do now.  I think when you get into a daily routine for a BM and that changes you feel so bloated. 
2.After surgery I was almost immediately  constipated and desperate to find a solution.  I initially tried Benefiber in all my drinks but it did not help at all.  Then I tried MOM, it was ok but too much cramping.  I used a couple of Dulcolax suppositories,  not a good choice, totally cramped me and it lasted several hours and gave me rectal pain!  Miralax is great.  No cramping, no sudden loose stools. You can mix it in food and liquids. Walmart sells a generic version so you save a little money. 
3. I wonder the same thing with laxatives so after using the Miralax at full dose for several days I cut it back to half dose daily and now half dose every other day.  It does have a laxative so there is the possibility of if afftecting the bowel peristalsis after continued use but I'm hoping that with time I can cut usage back.  I'd much prefer to get my bowels working with a fiber type product but for now this is ok.
4.Metamucil works really well for me but the amount right now would be a problem.  Benefiber did not help me at all.  I bought some Crystal Light with Fiber so been driking that  Hope this helps.

I use a walmart brand version of benefiber. It's the equate colorless/odorless/tasteless soluble fiber. I use A LOT of it, too. It goes in everything from scrambled eggs to crystal light.

Just my .02

I've never had lasting constipation, so I don't know about stool softeners, etc.

OH...and remember that what goes in = what goes out. Being this close after surgery I'd expect you're not taking in too much food to begin with. And, that the food you are eating doesn't contain much that isn't digested. Remember babies. Breastfeeding babies can go for a very long time without pooping, because their body utilizes all of what they are given.

Sorry Hercules, didn't realize this was on the Men's board till too late.

oatmeal and lots of fluids got me back on track.  This is where size counts and hurts.  My DOC said turn your head and cough.  It works  LOL  LOL

Rather than answer your questions in order, I'll just give you my opinions.  You are better off if you have some regularity.  You will become regular by the addition of fiber and, possibly more fluids, to your diet.  You may want to try a fiber pill of some sort.  I've found that 2 slices of light whole wheat bread do the trick for me ( Note:  check the label to ensure that you are actually getting whole wheat bread as opposed to white bread with whole wheat added).  I use Pepperidge Farms now.

A stool softener is not a laxative.  The purpose of the stool softener is to ease the passing of your waste.  You may be producing it and it may not be coming out due to the density.  The stool softener helps there.  Also, with dense waste, you may suffer minor pain or irritation when you go to the bathroom and a stool softener will relieve that problem.

There are many laxatives on the market.  then there are foods with laxative qualities that may not even have much fiber in them.  I know many of my relative used prune juice for that purpose.  Just have a small glass of it since it does have sugar (not extra added sugar) in it like most juices.

One word; Miralax