since my gastric sleeve surgery in 9/14 I am still having difficulty With Routine/regular bowel movements...dr prescribed Amitiza but I wish not to take another prescription drug ... Have tried milk of magnesia and stool softeners and the combination of both but still not having a regular or routine "formed" stool... Usually end up with firmer than desired balls which need help getting out

You're far enough out that I'm hesitant to give any advice, but I've been finding "smooth move" tea (got it at Safeway or a health store with no problems) to be helpful along with making sure my liquid intake is high enough... later I also plan on eating a fair amount of fruit as it generally has a higher Fiber content than your average bran Cereal or vegetable.

Do you eat any fruits or veg? How are you with getting in your water? Keeping leafy green vegetables in my dairy keeps me regular. Other foods that help are prunes/prune juice, beans, coffee (for some), smooth move tea. Another thing that will help, is ½tsp of Epson salt mixed in 4 -6 ounces of 100% grapefruit juice.

I'd up my fiber intake before resorting to chemical based softeners. If you add fiber at each meal it should help. Drink plenty of water with the fiber. Metamucil works for me. Benefiber works but I find that I need a lot more vs metamucil.