Chronic constipation- What to do

I am 48 yrs old and have had chronic constipation since about 18. I have tried everything from pills to powders to juice and vegetable and probiotics and now finally the only thing that works is laxatives. I have a mom who has had the same problem all of her life. Now at 70 she finally had a total colectomy with an ileostomy. I am considering a total colectomy (ileo-anal anastomsis). Do you have any suggestions. I have already seen a Gastro enterologist. I have had a motility test (Sitz marker Test). i have pretty much no motility in my colon. What are the success rates for a colectomy for my type of condition. I am really tired of taking something to evacuate my bowels  and the laxatives are making me really tired. Are there any different types of meds that will help? I am not afraid to have surgery but realize it should be the last resort. I am an Xray technician so i have seen many intestinal situations. Please help if you can . Thank you