Post Weight Loss Surgery? There’s an App for That

In the age of smartphone dependency, there is an app for just about everything. Chances are if you’ve tried losing weight in the past that you’ve actually downloaded a few apps that are designed for just that purpose.

Weight loss apps are generally pretty simple in their structure and can be actually rather helpful. Most of them focus on helping you count calories and track activity, which is great for helping you become more aware of what you are eating and how often you are exercising. The problem is that these apps are pre-loaded with basic data about what is ideal for your height and weight, and once you have weight loss surgery those ideals change drastically. This means that if you attempt to use one of those standard weight loss apps after having Lap Band surgery, instead of receiving praise or support for staying on track you are more likely to receive red flags and warnings that you aren’t following the right eating guidelines—but you are.

This is why there are apps designed specifically for post-weight loss surgery patients. Many of these apps are free, and can be a huge help in allowing you to take control over your diet and exercise goals after Lap Band.

Here are a few apps worth downloading after weight loss surgery:

• Baritastic: Specifically designed for the post-bariatric surgery patient, this is a free app that will help you track your food intake, exercise goals and medication use. What’s more, this app comes with built in motivation, with a space to add weekly photos of your progress and access to the best bariatric forums for on-the-go advice.
• Waterlogged: This is a good download to help you track your water consumption following weight loss surgery. Dehydration is a real problem, and after weight loss surgery you need to be extra careful that you are getting enough water in small portions throughout the day. This app will help you log how much water you are drinking and will tell you if you aren’t getting enough daily.
• Fooducate: If you ever get confused at the grocery store by marketing practices that make you question whether something is healthy or not for your dietary plan, this is the app for you. A nifty barcode scanner makes it easy to scan any item you come across and get valuable insight into whether it is a good food choice BEFORE you bring it home.

Chances are you have your smartphone in hands reach for the majority of the day, so you might as well put it to good use. Apps like these can help you take control of your weight loss program and stay on track towards your ultimate weight loss goal after Lap Band surgery.