Hello @waterlilly and welcome to Mayo Connect. Dealing with constipation is certainly a difficult problem for many of us. As you have had a history of severe bowel obstruction, I understand how important it is for you to avoid constipation.

After having three surgeries of the upper digestive tract, I also deal with food intolerances and need to avoid raw fruits and vegetables. I really understand how difficult it can be to keep the digestive tract in good shape without these types of foods.

I also avoid Metamucil as it can create abdominal pain, but I do find Citrucel to be quite helpful. It is a fiber product but not of the same rough consistency as Metamucil.

Also, you might just consider taking just a partial dose of Miralax to your daily regimen of products to relieve constipation. Often just a quarter of a dose, once a day, preferably at night, is enough to help without causing diarrhea. If that is not enough, then perhaps taking a quarter of a dose twice a day might work better. It is just a matter of finding out what works best for you. For me, using the Citrucel, twice and a day, and the partial dose of Miralax is a good option.

It really is a matter of trial and error. You do need to find what works for you to keep from becoming constipated, without having daily diarrhea.

What else have your tried besides the daily Miralax?

my dr told me that diarrhea is an adverse effect of miralax and to stop taking it. He suggested i take benefiber and magnesium citrate instead.

I handle my Big C with food and a few supplements. Metamucil and Miralax don't help me.

Food

If you can tolerate well-cooked vegetables of any sort. Parsnips, squash, carrots, leafy greens. In soup helps ensure they are well-cooked.

A golden kiwi at night is amazing. Check out the NIH-posted study. It makes the muscles contract.

Ground chia seeds have fiber.

LiveKuna plantain flour -- I live on it - hot cereal, quick breads like pancakes.

The quantity is important. For example, I use 1/2 teaspoon of ground chia seed daily.

Supps

Slippery elm (inner bark only). I make a tea out of it, 1/2 teaspoon, upon rising. It supports the mucosa in your gut.

Magnesium at night. The GI doc recommended 250 mg, but you can go to 500 mg. I take 174 mg in Hilma Gentle Bowel Movement Support.

What is the most obvious assist for me? The kiwi, followed by the Hilma. I don't go easily if I don't take these two items at night.

As far as shifting over to another regime, make sure you eat a golden kiwi a night if you can handle it. Magnesium also does other good things for the body -- there are studies on anxiety and most Americans don't get the minimum daily requirement of the mineral. Feel free to start with a low dose of Magnesium.

Good luck! You will figure it out.