How long should one be using laxatives post-surgery? I was advised that it may be a lifelong practice

I only had to take a pill once a few days after surgery and then used Milk of Magnesia (the sugar free kind) a dose to a half dose just a few times the first few weeks. Now at 9 months a few times a week I eat a few prunes. Once I was able to start eating more vegetables and salads it improved.

My doctor advises using MiraLAX, it's always been my go to when necessary.

I've been taking a capful of Miralax every day for the last 4.5 years. That usually does the trick, but I still get backed up once or twice a month. When I do, I take Milk of Magnesia for a night or two.

many of us are on something or other for constipation for life - stool softeners, Miralax, whatever works...

I haven't needed anything, was over 2 weeks before the first time post op, in fact, if you take into account the 2 weeks before surgery while I was on shakes in total it was nearly a month and a half (was in hospital for 2 weeks only on iv fluids), but I didn't have pain or fullness so knew I wasn't constipated, there just wasn't enough waste to go. Our intake is far less so we won't need to go as often to start with.

Sometimes people think not going is constipation when in fact there just isn't enough in the system to go. Then again some people suffer for life with real constipation. See what works for you and go with that Fingers crossed you are only on them short term

Never had to use any eithor - all of us are different - So i would try and go off it and see what goes on

I wish I could slow down a bit. If anyone has suggestions, I would like to hear them. I go about 5-6 times a day - soft and floatie. Sometimes with urgency that will turn into an accident if I don't find a facility quickly. (Not fun when I am hiking or bike riding.) I've tried cutting out dairy products with no change. I am already gluten free. My volume of grains or veggies doesn't seem to make any difference, either.

I will probably have to take something for life due to a pain patch I wear that is really constipating. I currently take 2 Colace in the morning and an 8 ounce glass of crystal lite with Benifiber. Also the occasional Milk of Mag. and yet I only go 2 to 3 times a week.