Tapping Into Tech: Apps for Bariatric Success

From tracking meals to building new habits, the right technology can make post-surgery life more manageable, and even more motivating and enjoyable. But with hundreds of apps on the market claiming to support weight loss, nutrition, fitness, or mental health, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. How do you know which ones are useful?

Recovery timelines, goals, and learning styles vary from person to person, so the best app for you is the one that fits. Defining the features that align most with your needs and personal preferences makes it easier to find tools that support you.

In this article, we’ll walk through the kinds of features to look for in a good support app, explore the types of tools currently out there, and talk about how to choose the ones that make sense. Wherever you’re at in the process, the right tech can become a powerful ally in sustaining results and staying motivated.

Even the best app won’t replace your effort, but it can certainly amplify it.

What to Look For

Looking at reviews, ratings, and the number of downloads is one way to go about it. Keep in mind the strengths and weaknesses you already know you have or that you can anticipate – not every app will have every function you desire, but many will have a combination to help you with those weak spots.

Here are some tools and functions worth considering when deciding which apps to bring into your routine.

Nutrition Guidance That Meets Your New Normal

Post-bariatric surgery dietary needs are incredibly specific and change over time; what you can eat the week after is very different from what you can eat a year later. Look for apps that offer:

• Meal planning tools tailored for smaller portions
• High-protein snack suggestions or customizable recipe libraries
• Grocery list builders that make smart shopping easier
• Vitamin and supplement tracking, especially with reminders
• Calorie and nutrient logs that emphasize protein, hydration, and micronutrients

Many apps offer barcode scanning or the ability to save favorite meals, making tracking more seamless.

Movement That Matches You

Working more physical activity into your daily routine (ideally) begins even before surgery and is an imperative part of long-term sustained weight loss. And because of the added stress on joints and potential mobility issues, exercise should start gently and build gradually.

Apps that offer video demonstrations, clear explanations, and modifications for various fitness levels are great if that’s what you need. But if you have a routine you like or look forward to, all you need is a way to track your progress.

Some apps are more game-like and might allow you to “unlock” more challenging routines after reaching certain milestones, like walking a set distance or completing workouts consistently. They can mimic the effect of a real video game by keeping you engaged and leveling up.

Be sure to look for programs that match where you are rather than where you should be. Also, be kind to your body and don’t push yourself too hard. Set realistic goals and rest when you need to.

Structured Support

Studies have shown that patients often express an interest in more structure after surgery.1 Apps with prescriptive elements like daily to-dos, dos and don’ts, or routines to follow can provide that extra layer of accountability.

If that’s something you can appreciate, some helpful features to consider might include:

• Goal setting, both short- and long-term
• Habit trackers for things like hydration, sleep, or mindful eating
• Lifestyle education on topics like alcohol, tobacco, and emotional eating
• Daily or weekly check-ins to reflect on progress

These tools can reinforce the routines you’re building with your care team.

Uplifting Mind-Body Habits

To be honest, you’re going to want more than an app for this one – nothing takes the place of a professional therapist. That said, you can build on that therapeutic relationship with tech tools. Apps that offer guided meditations, breathing exercises, or stress management tools can help you shift focus when needed and develop new coping strategies.

Some platforms also include journaling prompts, mood check-ins, or peer support features. If you tend to turn to food for comfort, these tools can create new, healthier outlets.

Throw Some Fun Into the Mix

There are some serious aspects of bariatric surgery and the ongoing challenges of obesity that deserve focused attention. But it’s okay, and healthy, to lighten up sometimes – motivation doesn’t have to be all work and no play.

Interactive goal-tracking adds a layer of encouragement that feels more like a game than a chore. Point systems, levels, digital badges, or unlocking new app features for achievements like hitting daily step goals or reaching a hydration target can keep you engaged.

Other creative features that can be playfully motivating include:

• Photo timelines to visually track progress and celebrate non-scale victories
• Progress bars that show how close you are to completing goals like daily hydration or weekly exercise targets
• Questionnaires that guide self-reflection or help tailor content based on your needs
• Streak tracking to reinforce consistency with habits like food logging, walking, or taking vitamins
• Digital milestone badges that recognize achievements like hitting a weight-loss goal or completing a post-op education module
• Daily motivational messages or push notifications that provide encouragement and keep you focused
• “Next step” nudges that suggest small, manageable goals based on your recent activity
• Reminders and checklists that gamify routines like prepping meals or attending follow-up appointments

If you enjoy the entertainment factor, it’s a great way to reinforce positive behavior, build momentum, and stay active.

Making the Most of What’s Out There

There are plenty of apps designed to support weight loss and healthy lifestyle habits, but not all of them are made with bariatric patients in mind. Still, that doesn’t mean they aren’t useful. Many general wellness apps offer features that can be adapted to your needs.

Several online roundups and review sites have pointed out some of the more useful apps for bariatric patients, including:

Baritastic

Tailored for bariatric surgery patients pre- and post-op:

• Tracks calories, macros, water, and recovery-stage goals
• Offers reminders for vitamins, hydration, meals, and bite pacing
• Includes journaling with mood/hunger ratings and a progress photo timeline
• Connects to bariatric clinics for resources, education, and support
• Syncs with wearables and includes recipe library, motivation, and forums

BariBuddy

Clinic-connected app that’s bariatric surgery-centered:

• Has custom profile settings for surgeries, milestones, meds, and appointments
• Tracks intake, weight, BMI, and more in visual charts
• Includes timers, vitamin tracking, and motivational challenges
• Features expert-answered FAQs, recipes, and educational content
• Earn points for engagement and redeem for partner service discounts

MyFitnessPal

Mainstream tracker with broad features and food database:

• Features barcode scanning, voice logging, and macro breakdowns
• Tracks food, water, weight, steps, and syncs with major wearables
• Offers visual reports and charts for nutrition insights
• Free version covers basics; premium unlocks deeper customization
• Popular among bariatric users for its familiarity and flexibility

Noom

Behavior-focused app for sustainable weight and habit change:

• Uses psychology-based lessons to shift mindset and behaviors
• Color-coded food logging encourages balanced eating
• Comes with 1:1 coaching, goal-setting, and daily interactive content
• Tracks meals, exercise, habits, and offers reflective tools
• Known for its emphasis on food psychology and long-term growth

Lose It!

Simple and intuitive tracker with visual food logging:

• Equipped with a barcode scanner, Snap It photo logging, and macro tracking
• Gives you custom goals, including high-protein setups for post-op
• Monitors weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and syncs with wearables
• Offers progress charts, streaks, and a weight loss timeline
• Premium versions add planning tools and deeper pattern insights

Reading reviews and seeing how others in the bariatric community respond to these tools is worth a peek and can help you decide what’s worth trying. Some apps are free, while others offer premium versions with added features. Don’t be afraid to test a few and see what works best and sticks, especially if there are free trials available before you have to pay for it. (Note: The features we’ve listed are to the best of our knowledge. Visit your app store to verify functionality.)

Whether it’s helping you track your protein, get your steps in, or remember your vitamins, the right app can turn good intentions into real progress.

At SAMPA, we encourage you to use every resource available to you, including technology, to support your goals and protect a long-term investment in your health. If you’re unsure where to start, ask your care team for recommendations that match your recovery stage and personal goals.

Reference:

1. Robinson, A., Husband, A., Slight, R., & Slight, S. P. (2022). Designing Digital Health Technology to Support Patients Before and After Bariatric Surgery: Qualitative Study Exploring Patient Desires, Suggestions, and Reflections to Support Lifestyle Behavior Change. JMIR human factors, 9(1), e29782. https://doi.org/10.2196/29782.