Non-food cravings after VSG

So I just wanted to touch base on this topic.  I'm 7 weeks post-op.  Since surgery I have been hit with multiple high stress situations all at once.  I noticed that instead of craving food I found myself wanting a cigarette (I quit smoking several years ago) and wanting to drink (I have never been a big drinker).  So this brought to my attention that this is where cross-addictions can happen.  I am happy to say that I acknowledged my weird cravings, but then had a little self talk about why I was having these cravings and then made up my mind to go to the gym and work through them, literally.  I can see where my relationship with food would have come in.  This is just a reminder for those who used to be emotional eaters.  We need to find an acceptable outlet to fulfill this craving.  I have actually sat down and made a list of things I can do when I get these feelings.  One of them is to come here or my other support group and tell people about it.  I know there are others that are dealing with the same thing.  This will help me stay accountable.  Identify, acknowledge and defeat these feelings!  Does anyone else have a plan of what to do when they get these feelings? 

What an important post!  It sounds like you really understand what is going on with you and yes, cross-addiction is a very common thing.  What I have found that helps me, is to identify the feelings, work through them, and then do something else.  It is not enough to just recognize what is happening, you need a new way of dealing with it.  Something with verbs in it.  Going to the gym is perfect.  Sometimes I found that I am stressed because I am not willing to face a confrontation.  Sometimes I am stressed because I have been procrastination doing something unpleasant.  Sometimes I just need to go for a run.  You have this, and I can't tell you how happy I am for you that you got this from from the start. 

Thanks for this post!  I know I'm an emotional eater and I've been thinking a lot about how I will handle these things post-op.  I've been making a plan and trying to be conscientious about my current choices and how they translate to my post-op life.  I think I'm going to write them down as you suggest so I'm clear when that moment comes.  Great idea.

Elisa