Yes, laxatives are OK to take. Mild ones.
Here are post-op directions from my surgeon's website regarding constipation:
"Constipation will occasionally be a minor problem, usually it can be corrected with the return to your diet and normal activity level. You can help prevent constipation by drinking several glasses of water daily and eating fresh fruits and vegetables. If necessary, a mild laxative such as milk of magnesia can be used."
When I had my surgery, they sent me home with plenty of stool softeners and told me to drink lots of fluids. A surgery tends to shock the digestive system and it goes dormant or something. It takes a few days to blow it out and start again. I'm not sure about taking a laxative because they can be quite harsh. And Metamucil, much as I like it, can clog up the works if things are already backed up and you don't take in enough fluid. They actually told me not to use it after the surgery.
Try stool softeners, walk around (that does help) and give the doctor a call today if you're feeling really bad and the abdomen is hard. You don't want a blockage after all you've been through.
im surprised they let you go home before having a bowel movement. maybe you should call your docs office and if he/she isnt there they can page him/her to ask for you. How did your surgery go? did they tell you what type of cyst it was?