I'm recovering from an appendectomy. should i take a stool softener to make the transition back to a fully functioning gi tract easier?

No: After an appendectomy there may be a period of ileus or non propulsion of the bowel due to parasympathetic enhanced activity. A stool softener will not enhance or improve ease of movement of bowel function. In contrast, where a bowel resection and anastomosis is performed, there may be a narrowing of lumen at the suture line and here a stool softener may help.