This is probably why your doctor was concerned and recommended you see a surgeon, to prevent complete obstruction from occurring. Unfortunately, as others on the message board have mentioned, many surgeons do not recommend surgery until complete obstruction results, and it is too late. Fixing the problem before it becomes severe is generally better. The reason surgeons have waited to operate is because they know that surgery causes adhesions, so operating hasn't made sense - until the advent of laparoscopy which creates few new adhesions. Although many surgeons who perform basic laparoscopy consider adhesions a contraindication to laparoscopic surgery, there is a growing number of advanced laparoscopic surgeons who will deal with this. It may take some hunting, but you will probably be able to find an advanced laparoscopic surgeon willing to take your case near where you live by asking your doctor and friends and making some calls.
One thing I will recommend to patients in the mean time is to eat foods LOW in fiber, and drink a lot of fluids. This reduces the amount of undigestible particles in the food passing through your intestines, and will generally make you stool smaller and easier to pass through narrow areas. Foods rich in carbohydrates (sugars, rice, potatos, pasta) are digested high in the intestinal tract, and become liquid quickly. You won't have any trouble finding these on your cruise! Unfortunately, high fiber diets are healthier for your intestines long term, and low fiber diets can lead to constipation (even without narrowed areas) so this is not a long term solution.
By the way, enjoy your cruise. I avoided cruises for a long time because I was afraid of being sea sick. Finaly my wife convinced me to go (she drug me there), and we loved it! I am sure you will too. Have a great time!
Dr. Gerhart http://www.generalsurgeryinfo.com
-- Dr. Gerhart