jbug, I have had abdominal surgery (pancreas related) and take a stool softener regularly with the doc's okay. I eat good fiber: oats, bran flakes, fresh fruits with skin. I have a hard time staying hydrated like you. I have a hard time digesting since my surgery.
I take Walmart's brand of Colace, 2-3 times a day. It isn't a laxative, but just keeps the stool soft so it's easy to 'go'.