dahk, Good advice from your doctor. Pears are high in fiber in the skin of the pear and are also good for constipation. Also, have you tried a stool softener such as Colace? There is a generic for them and you can ask your pharmacist. I believe you can take 1-3 a day. Check the label on this. Also, figs & prunes are good for some people. There is a prune tea that I saw mentioned on this site. Blessings...P.S. I do not think the York Peppermint Patties have aspartame in them, perhaps stevia or splenda.