Weight loss surgery is a life-changing procedure that must be taken seriously.
In recent years, there have been many technological inputs to the procedure. The aim is to help patients keep track of their weight loss goals. To this end, there are mobile-compatible applications that are targeted at different scopes of the weight loss plan. Before we begin, do keep in mind that one of the best partners in your weight loss success is a team who supports you. That's why we created Weight Loss Riga's Patient Community on Facebook. Join today!
The Role of Modern Technology in Bariatric Surgery
Weight loss surgery (WLS) is complicated and requires enough preparation and dedication to make the best out of it. Improvements in technology led to the development and use of smartphone apps in the field of bariatric surgeries. To this end, modern technology makes impressive inputs to the weight loss plan of patients.
In addition, these mobile apps are not only user-friendly but also help patients keep track of their performance. Their delegation to different use cases brings about versatility in the whole affair. Are you contemplating bariatric surgery abroad? Whether you are getting set or already underwent the surgery, these apps will be of benefit to you.
Which Smartphones are supported?
Note that these apps are downloadable on specific platforms. They are mostly available on app distribution platforms such as Google Play and the App Store. By virtue of this, it is clear that the apps are solely for smartphones. Supported devices should be running on the Android and iOS operating systems. BlackBerry devices are also accepted, as the apps are available on the AppWorld platform.
Classifications
As stated earlier, these apps have specific purposes. In light of this, the functions are distributed accordingly. There are apps that help patients keep track of food intake. Some others take interest in drinks. Others come in form of journals to help patients keep track of weight loss goals. Now that we’ve looked at their delegations, it is important to look at these apps.
1. Bariatric Specific Apps
Bariatric surgery abroad can be a hectic process. After the surgery, patients tend to be in a state of confusion on the next step to take. When the doctor is not close by and support groups are not near you, the best option is to find something closer to you.
Technology simplified the process with the introduction of mobile apps for weight loss surgery. However, there are many of these apps. The functionalities may vary. You can be sure that the use cases are almost the same. We have looked at the numerous bariatric-inclined apps and chose the best performers. Here they are:
Baritastic App
Whether you are downloading from the Google Play Store, BlackBerry World or the Apple Store, you are certain to find this app in the top downloads section. The Baritastic App is accorded respect as one of the most viable apps for faster and mindful weight loss.
You might have the need for a reminder. The app offers that feature and many others. It is literally a pocket-sized to your post-op surgery concerns. The app lets patients stay on track, as they can set reminders that will walk them through the process.
In addition, there is the tendency of connecting the users to a bariatric social support group. Patients can also have their BMI index and other handfuls of important information. Without a doubt, this is the first app you should interact with. It is compatible with the Apple and Google Play Stores. You can download on the Play Store and get it from the Apple Store. There are other amazing features of the Baritastic App you may be interested in.
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• BMI Chart Index
Through this medium, you can monitor your body. It is important to have data on the current Body Mass Index after bariatric surgery abroad. With this, you can correlate and find out how you have fared with losing weight.
• Photo Timeline
You may be embarrassed to strike a pose in public. With the app, patients can create a photo timeline of their present weight and the current ones. With this correlation, it is easier to find out how much weight you shed off.
• Reminders
Are you scared of missing your next meal or taking water below the recommended glass? Set a reminder with the Baritastic App and get a real-time notification when your next meal is due. The reminder also alerts you on vitamins and water intake.
- It helps you track nutrition and overall weight loss
- You get access to top bariatric forums. Here, you can interact with other bariatric patients.
- Bariatric water and food timer
- Weekly motivation to keep you going
• Patient Journals
There are memorable events as you lose weight. It could be the day you drank your first glass of water after bariatric surgery abroad. The patient journal section in the app lets you put down your thoughts. You can also rate your hunger and happiness with the surgery.
• Bariatric Recipes
Never bother about the next meal to take. With this, you can play your meals in accordance with the suggested foods.
Fooducate
The app is a nice way to check food intake. Remember that you should avoid calories and food that can trigger weight regain. How can you achieve that? Some patients would suggest reading the labels on canned foods. Yet, these are not safe, as the manufacturer can keep away the actual ingredients. How about an app that lets you “see through the lies’ in canned foods.
Fooducate literally educates you about the right foods to take. It helps you find out the hidden ingredients of every food. In addition, you will get insights that will help you choose the right food. Here are other features that make this app a trailblazer:
• Ability to Scan Diverse Barcodes
Do you realize that many manufacturers keep away most ingredients from the labels? Because of the adoption of weight loss surgery and the threat it poses to canned foods, manufacturers resort to hiding details. This is based on the fact that patients are expected to steer clear of foods high in calories and carbohydrates. Thus, keeping off these details from the labels will help them to sell more.
With Fooducate, such practices will be resolved. The app has the ability to scan different barcodes. By doing so, it reveals the actual contents of the food. Thus, the warning signs will be visible to patients.
- Track and calculate the calories in foods such as carbohydrates and proteins.
- Assigns letter grades to foods based on nutritional value.
- Offers customized food features such as the presence of glucose and concentration of protein.
2. Nutritional and Fitness Apps
Healthy diets and regular exercise are the best approaches to losing weight after bariatric surgery abroad. There are specific mobile apps tailored to offer the convenience you seek. With these, you can make the right choice of foods that will help you maintain stability while you lose weight. Let’s look at some of these.
MyFitnessPal
The app features a wide collection of foods. You will also have access to exercises that will boost your weight loss. This is a nice way to keep track of your exercises and food intake. In addition, patients can add a photo as they pass through different weight loss patterns. Other benefits of using the app include:
- You can choose and add food plans from the 5 million food database
- A resource library that lets you get more information about the right nutrition to take
- Recipe Importer lets you check any recipe on the internet and import it into the app
- Interoperability that lets you connect to similar apps such as Gamin, Apple Health and MapMyFitness
- Barcode scanner
Lose It
With this app, you actually get to ‘lose it”. The aim is to facilitate weight loss in the easiest way. The app helps you keep track of meal targets. Thus, you can set the post-operative meal guidelines and check if you are meeting up with them. Apart from this, the app has other amazing features.
• Scheduled Meal Plan
Have you always to set a reminder for tomorrow’s breakfast? That dream is achievable with this app. You can schedule meals ahead of time. This helps you plan ahead and stay on track as well.
- Track more with the app. You won’t only be looking at calories. The app lets you keep track of your body measurement and general health of the body.
- It also calculates and makes sure the set calories for each meal is attained.
- Create exercise challenges where you compete with friends as you lose weight.
- Compatible with other apps. You can connect to other trackers such as Withings Scales and Fitbit trackers.
My Plate
This app is a nice way to keep track of food intake and exercises. You can keep track of daily calorie intake. There is also the opportunity to burn excess calories with short workouts. There is a chart that shows your progress. Other features are:
- Meal reminders
- Barcode scanner to find and track food
- Customize your meals
- Online support. You can interact with members of the motivational community and get answers to your concerns
- You get access to a database of over 2 million foods
- Automatically detects foods that are high in calories.
Waterlogged
Food and drink work in unison after bariatric surgery abroad. There are many apps for hydration. Yet, we found Waterlogged’s feature impressive than others. Typically, patients are expected to consume 64 ounces of water each day. With this app, you can determine if you are meeting up with the goals. Here are other reasons why this app is important in your weight loss journey:
- Daily hydration tracker. This makes sure you are keeping up with the daily water (liquid) intake.
- Reminders to help you stick to your goals.
- Record water by simply taking a photograph of a glass filled with water.
Bariatric Timer
Without a doubt, this is one of the most effective fitness apps for bariatric patients. The app works as a timer and monitors your activities. Press the donut icon as a means of informing the app that you have ate. Based on the preset countdown time, the app begins to count down. This will continue until it reaches the set target. Bariatric Timer has other features you will find fascinating.
- Different timers. You can set a timer for food and another for a drink.
- The timer counts down to the set minutes (or hours) before the next meal or drink.
- You can preset the timer to suit your current needs.
3. Doctor/Clinic-Centered Apps
This app is basically for the hospital and clinic. Even though they are targeted to the patients, it is the duty of the doctor to determine the needs of the patient.
BariApps
This is the major application in the category. It helps doctors track the progress of patients as they lose weight. It is worth noting that the needs are tailored after the weight loss needs of each patient. It also makes it easy to be in touch with the doctor. Do you like how the prospects of BariApps sound? These are some reasons why you get to use them:
- It helps you stay in touch with the doctor. You can also request appointments with the doctor and ask questions through this medium.
- It tracks your weight loss.
- Offers you the opportunity to participate in the Fitbit challenge.
- The doctor monitors your progress and offers advice where necessary.
Things to look out for in the Apps
Before you chose the mobile application that suits your needs, there are certain factors to consider. Look out for these on the apps, as they will make your experience worthwhile.
• Compatible with Your Device
This is the first thing you should look out for. There are apps that are available on the Apple Store but are not on the Google Play Store. Confirm if they are available on your device’s operating system (iOS, Android and BlackBerry) before choosing.
• Paid or Free
Most of the apps are free. Yet, there are paid versions that let you access premium contents. Determine the needs you have and choose the app with the right option.
• Memory Capacity
This boils down to the storage capacity of your device. If you are running low on storage, it is advisable to go for an app that has a small memory capacity. If need be, delete some apps to accommodate your preferred bariatric application.
Bariatric Surgery abroad is Favorable
There are many benefits that come with passing under the knife abroad. These cut across reduced costs and safety of the patient. Above all, Weight Loss Riga is a leader in the field of bariatric surgery in the UK. You can be sure of getting the best support. Apart from the apps, we have a dedicated team of professionals that will make sure your weight loss needs are favorably met.
