I am only 10 days post op and luckily have not had any head hunger yet, I figure it is coming, but I will deal with it when it does.

With that being said, I have had to deal with it during the past couple of years. I have been hospitalized 8 times since Dec 2013 with problems dealing with my digestive system and every one required major changes in my diet, from nothing for a couple of weeks, to 1 oz of ice an hour. So even though I have not dealt with it yet, I have in the past.

I decided to tackle it the same way I tackled the mental battle I had when I quit smoking 12 years ago. I knew the physical dependency on nicotine would end in about 7 days, but that didn't take away the desire for a smoke.

I started making latch hook rugs. I knew if I didn't have something to divert my attention then I would either just drive myself into a frenzy wanting my food or cigarette. I tried reading and other diversions like that. But none seemed to hold my attention well enough. I am a gamer as well, and they do work sometimes, but I could still eat while I was gaming. By making the latch hook rugs, it keeps both of my hands busy and keeps my mind occupied as well as I have to count the stitches and things. The other nice thing is I can work on it for as little or as long as I need to.

I know that isn't for everyone, but what I found that works for me is something like that, something that occupies me completely, but not something that I have to work hours and hours at a stretch on.

I guess my caution to everyone dealing with this is to consider all of the ramifications of it. I remember a few times that I would think maybe I can have just one puff off of a cigarette, it wont hurt, but then the next thing I knew, it was just a 1/4 of a smoke, then a 1/2, then a whole one. Luckily I would realize what I was doing before it went further, but I still had to start the battle with the physical addiction all over again. With the food, I didn't have a choice, I couldn't eat stuff, no matter what, so I could not give in, but knowing about the latch hook and how it helped with my smoking I was quickly able to use it for the head hunger as well.

Good luck to everyone and I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Excellent suggestions! Thanks for sharing! I used to do those latch hook rugs as a teenager and young adult. I'm going to look around for some kits.