Top Apps After Weight Loss Surgery
Melissa Beitner • January 9, 2024
Now that you’ve had weight loss surgery and are on your way to a healthier life, it’s time to take advantage of technology and use some of the great apps out there to help you along the way. But which apps should you use? There are a lot of choices and many of them seem similar.
We reviewed over 30 of the most popular apps for weight loss and below are some of our favourites.
BARITASTIC
This free app is specifically built for bariatric surgery patients.
Features:
- Nutrition and Water Tracking
- Reminders - Vitamins, Water, Protein Shakes, Meals, Other
- Bariatric Food, Water, and Bite Timer
- Create a Photo Timeline to Track Your Journey
- Patient Journal - Log thoughts, take pics, rate your hunger and happiness.
- Newbie Checklist - Stay on task and get to surgery.
- Bariatric Surgery Specific Recipes
- Bariatric Surgery Specific Resources
- Baritastic Social Support Group
- Connect to YOUR Bariatric Program Through the Baritastic App
- Body Mass Index Chart
Whether you are considering weight loss surgery or are already losing weight, this app is great. Lap Band, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, gastric balloon, duodenal switch - it's all here.
MY DIET COACH
With My Diet Coach, you’ll keep on top of every calorie with the diary section, while the macro tracker, diets, recipes, and daily recap will make sure you have all the guidance you need to keep you on the right track.
Features:
- Daily food diary and macro tracker. Break down everything you eat by day, meal, and macronutrients. Swipe through the days and plan future weeks by logging your meals in advance. Receive calorie intake recommendations and track your path towards your target weight. Incorporate calories burned off through exercise, so you always have the full picture of how your workouts affect your progress.
- Ketogenic diet...and many more. Keto is just one of the several diets included in My Diet Coach. Want more flexibility? Enter your own custom plan.
- Recipes. Get all the good stuff with a pantry full of delicious recipes to explore, create, and enjoy!
- Meal groups. Eat the same items regularly? Group them together into a meal and log them in a flash.
MyDietCoach integrates with Health App, allowing users to import body measurements data from Health App to MyDietCoach.
FOODUCATE
This app comes highly recommended by health professionals everywhere.
Features:
- Log your food intake and exercise
- See the quality of calories
- Count your macros: protein, fats, carbs
- Analyze your sugar intake
- Track your sleep, mood, and hunger levels
- Enter your recipes and instamagically & see their nutritional value!
- Seamlessly integrated with Apple Health
This app can be personalised. Note: some personalization features require a premium account.
- set your desired weight loss rate
- keto diet coach
- low-carb advice & carb management
- lower your cholesterol,
- discover foods for heart health
- eat to beat diabetes
- women's health (pregnancy, lactation,PCOS)
- dietary goals (non processed foods, vegetarian)
- avoid MSG, HFCS, GMOs and other ingredients
- low FODMAP diet
- Gluten free and other allergens
Fooducate analyses information found in product nutrition panels and ingredient lists. Scan to discover things manufacturers don't want you to notice:
- added sugars
- artificial sweeteners such as aspartame
- trans fats
- high fructose corn syrup
- MSG
- controversial food colorings
- GMO - genetical modified organisms (premium feature)
- additives and preservatives
- and more...
This app has a huge database of foods.
- Scan hundreds of thousands of unique product barcodes
- Get a personalized nutrition grade (A, B, C, or D) for each food
- Get suggestions for healthier foods based on what you scan
WATER REMINDER
Water Reminder will help you to calculate how much water your body needs, track your hydration and gently remind you to drink water to fulfil your goal.
Features:
- Improve your health with personal drink notifications.
- Create custom drink volumes easily.
- Schedule notifications according to the time you wake up and sleep.
- Choose the interval between notifications.
- Track your historical consumption during the day, week and month.
- Track your daily nutrition values.
- Supports Imperial ( fl. oz. ) and Metric ( ml. ) units.
Water Reminder uses HealthKit in order to record drinking data to the Nutrition section in the Health application. The app requests access to the following data types: Water, Caffeine, Protein, Dietary Energy, Fat, Carbs and Sugars. When you add a drink to the app - it automatically sends to Health app.
MYFITNESSPAL
Track progress toward your nutrition, water, fitness, and weight loss goals with MyFitnessPal. This all-in-one food tracker and health app is like having a nutrition coach, meal planner, and food diary with you at all times.
This is a health app to help you learn about your habits … see how you eat … make smarter food choices … find motivation & support ... and conquer your health goals.
Features:
- Log Food – Easy-to-use tools make food tracking quick and simple
- Record Activity – Add workouts and steps with the fitness tracker
- Customize Your Goals – Weight loss, weight gain, weight maintenance, nutrition & fitness
- See Your Progress – Track at a glance, or analyze nutrition & calories in detail
- Learn From a Registered Dietitian – Meal Plans customized for your target calories, whether you want to lose or gain weight—with access to our Meal Planner tool
- Stay Inspired – 500+ healthy goal-focused recipes and 50 workouts keep routines fresh and fun
- Connect With Community – Find friends and motivation in our active forums
Gain Valuable Insights Through Food Logging
Discover which foods fuel you best. It’s not just a diet app, calorie counter to lose weight, or a faster way to fat loss—it’s about holding yourself accountable and understanding what you put in your body.
- One of the Largest Food Databases – Track calories in over 14 million foods (including restaurant dishes)
- Fast & Easy Food Tracker Tools – Type to search, add foods from your history, or quick-add calories
- Bar Code & Meal Scan: Log store-bought foods and entire meals using your phone’s camera
- Calorie Tracker – Automatically count calories and see your daily progress
- Macro Tracker – See carbs, fat & protein breakdown by gram or percentage—no need for a separate carb tracker or keto diet app!
- Nutrition Tracker and Insights – Analyze nutrition intake and set specific goals for macros, cholesterol, sodium, fiber & more
- Water Logging – Easily keep track of your water intake.
Customize Your App Experience
Choose settings that help you achieve your goals.
- Custom Goals – Track calories by meal or day, set up macro goals & more
- Personalized Dashboards – Pick stats you want to see at a glance
- Net Carbs Mode/Carb Tracker – To simplify a low carb or keto diet, view net (not total) carbs
- Protein Counter – Set your protein goals and track how much you eat during the day
- Add Your Own Foods/Meal Tracker – Save recipes and meals for quick logging
- Connect 50+ Apps & Devices – From fitness tracker and smartwatch apps, including the Health app
- Track With Apple Watch – A calorie tracker, water tracker, and macro tracker on your watch face.
LOSE IT
Lose It! is a calorie counting, nutrition tracking, and intermittent fasting tool that helps you ditch the unwanted behaviors that are holding you back from reaching your weight goals.
HOW LOSE IT! WORKS
Lose It! uses the proven principles of calorie tracking to educate and help you succeed. To get started just input your profile details with your goal weight and we’ll calculate the daily calorie budget best for you. Next, easily track your food, weight, and activity, and get ready to celebrate your weight loss victories. There’s no easier way to change your habits and learn about your nutrition needs.
LOSE IT! FEATURES
- NEW! Nutrition Strategies - Whether you're a nutrition novice or a macro-tracking expert, we have a nutrition strategy that will meet your needs. Our dietician-curated strategies will support everything from keto to plant-based and more!
- Barcode Scanner – quickly scan food barcodes or search our database to track foods you’ve eaten.
- Snap It – log food by simply taking a photo of your food. Just tap the camera icon for food tracking as easy as taking a picture. (2016 CES Innovation Award Winner).
- Track Nutrients – track more than just calories including macros, proteins, water, carbs, sugars, body measurements, sleep cycles, and more.
- Milestones - break down your weight loss goal into smaller, more achievable segments
- Healthy Living Articles - get inspired and stay informed on wellness topics with new content every day.
- Fitness App Syncs – connect trackers, apps, and devices like Fitbit trackers, Misfit trackers, Fitbit scales, Garmin trackers, Withings scales, Google Fit, Healthkit, and more.
- Biggest Food Library Database – 50+ million searchable foods in our international library.
- Intermittent Fasting - set your fasting plan and track your fasts in the same app where you track your food.
- Calorie Scheduling - schedule higher days and lower days so that your plan fits in your lifestyle.
- Meal Planning & Targets – meal targets help you calculate suggested calories per meal based on your goal while meal planning allows you to customize your meal names and snacks for more accurate records.
- Patterns – learn about your habits with our exclusive personal insights and patterns to identify what is hindering or helping your progress.
- Themes – personalize the look and feel of Lose It! with themes that speak to your personality.
- Recipes – customize your weight loss journey with breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals you create yourself.
MYNETDIARY
This is a free, unlimited calorie counter with a barcode scanner, food and macros tracker, or a comprehensive and effective diet plan? MyNetDiary is sleek, smart, simple. It's the most personal weight-loss, diet, and nutrition assistant with a large food database.
FOODILITY
A simple food and fitness diary. A picture says a thousand words - this app is excellent if you prefer taking photos of your meals to track your intake rather than writing them into your diary.
Features:
- Simple food and fitness diary without required calorie counting (calorie is OPTIONAL).
- Supports meal, exercise, water, weight, medication, supplement, and mood logs.
- Just write what you want on beautiful and simple expandable sticky notes.
- PDF support for meal, exercise, water, weight and other note types.
- Statistic Charts for water and weight posts.
- Sync data between iOS devices (Account registration required to use this feature).
- Push notification (alarm) to remind yourself of meal, water, exercise and etc.
- Calendar view lets you organize your food and fitness experience.
- Supports both restaurants and custom locations for posting.
- Intuitive and clean posting pipeline that guides you to create an organized food and fitness posts/log.
Menopause is a natural stage in every woman’s life, but it often comes with physical and emotional changes—one of the most common being weight gain.
Understanding the Hidden Impact of Processed Foods on Your Health and Metabolism If you 're on a weight loss journey, one of the most important decisions you can make is to avoid ultra-processed foods (UPFs). These foods are widely consumed due to their convenience and taste—but they pose a major obstacle to effective weight management and long-term health. What Are Ultra-Processed Foods? Ultra-processed foods are industrially manufactured products that include: Additives, emulsifiers, and preservatives Artificial flavours and colours Refined sugars and fats Little to no whole food content Common examples include packaged snacks, soft drinks, fast food, sweetened breakfast cereals, processed meats, and ready-made meals. How Ultra-Processed Foods Affect Weight Loss Research has consistently linked UPFs to obesity, type 2 diabetes, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction (Monda et al., 2024; Hall et al., 2019). Here's why: 1. Excessive Calorie Intake UPFs ar e hyper-palatable, meaning they're engineered to taste extremely good. This makes them easy to overeat. Studies have shown that people consuming UPF-heavy diets consume significantly more calories daily than those eating a whole-food-based diet (Hall et al., 2019). 2. Poor Nutritional Quality These foods are typically: High in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium Low in fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals This nutritional imbalance means you're consumin g "empty calories"—high energy with little nourishment—leading to ongoing hunger and overeating. 3. Disrupted Hunger and Satiety Signals UPFs interfere with your body’s natu ral appetite regulation. They don’t promote satiety the way whole foods do, especially because they lack protein and fibre, which are key for feeling f ull. This leads to frequent snacking and difficulty controlling portion sizes. 4. Metabolic Dysfunction and Insulin Resistance Regular UPF consumption is associated with: Insulin resistance – a major factor in weight gain and difficulty losing fat Inflammation – which impairs hormonal and metabolic function Altered gut microbiota – which slows metabolism and weakens digestion These factors make it harder for your body to burn fat and maintain stable blood sugar levels. 5. Blood Sugar Spikes and Crashes UPFs contain refined carbohydrates and sugars that cause rapid increases in blood glucose. These are often followed by sudden drops, which trigger: Sugar cravings Fatigue Mood swings More food intake This cycle keeps you in a loop of overeating and low energy, derailing your weight l oss efforts. 6. Increased Risk of Chronic Disease Beyond weight gain, long-term consumption of ultra-processed foods increases your risk of: Type 2 diabetes Heart disease Fatty liver disease Depression These risks are heightened in people already dealing with obesity or insulin resistance. Why Whole Foods Support Sustainable Weight Loss Replacing UPFs wit h whole, minimally processed foods can dramatically improve your health and make weight management easier. Focus on: Lean proteins – chicken, fish, eggs, legumes High-fibre vegetables and fruits – spinach, broccoli, berries, apples Whole grains – oats, quinoa, brown rice Healthy fats – avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil Whole foods provide nutrients that sup port stable blood sugar, metabolic health, and long-term satiety. Evidence-Based Benefits of Reducing UPFs According to Monda et al. (2024), individuals who significantly reduce their intake of ultra-processed foods and transition to whole-food diets experience: Better appetite control Improved insulin sensitivity Reduced inflammation Lower daily calorie intake More consistent weight loss over time Tips for Reducing Ultra-Processed Foods Read ingredient labels : Avoid foods with long ingredient lists or unfamiliar chemical names. Cook at home : Preparing meals yourself gives you control over ingredients. Shop the perimeter : Stick to fresh produce, meat, dairy, and grains. Plan your meals : Reduce reliance on convenience foods by planning your week. Swap wisely : Choose plain yogurt over sweetened, or wholegrain crackers instead of chips. Avoiding ultra-processed foods is one of the most effective changes you can make for successful, sustainable weight loss. While these products may be convenient, their impact on metabolism, hunger regulation, and overall health is profoundly negative. Choosing a nutrient-dense, whole-food diet will not only help you reach your weight loss goals but also reduce your risk of chronic disease and improve your quality of life.
GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) are powerful tools for long-term weight management. They work by regulating appetite, improving insulin sensitivity, and slowing stomach emptying. However, like any medication, they may cause side effects, particularly during the first few weeks of treatment. At 360 SURGERY Melbourne, we help patients achieve their health goals safely and effectively. Here are some practical tips to manage the most common side effects of GLP-1 medications, so you can stay on track with your weight loss journey. 1. Nausea Nausea is one of the most reported side effects of GLP-1 medications, especially when doses are increased. These strategies may help: Eat smaller, more frequent meals : Large meals can trigger nausea. Avoid fatty or spicy foods : These can irritate your stomach further. Stay well-hydrated : Sip water or herbal teas slowly throughout the day. Choose bland foods : Toast, rice, and crackers are easier to tolerate. Take your injection at bedtime : This can reduce awareness of nausea during the day. 2. Diarrhoea This is typically mild and short-term but can be managed with the following tips: Stay hydrated : Replenish fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. Follow a low-fibre diet temporarily : Stick to easy-to-digest foods like bananas, applesauce, rice, and toast (the BRAT diet). Avoid caffeine and alcohol : These irritants can worsen diarrhoea. Try probiotics : They may support gut health and digestive balance. 3. Constipation Constipation may occur as your digestive system adjusts. The following can help: Increase fibre intake : Add fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your meals. Stay physically active : Regular movement promotes bowel motility. Drink plenty of water : Fluid intake is key for regular bowel movements. Use a fibre supplement : Products like psyllium husk may provide relief. 4. Stomach Pain or Cramps Abdominal discomfort can occur, particularly after meals. Try the following: Eat slowly and chew thoroughly : This supports smoother digestion. Avoid lying down immediately after eating : Wait 1–2 hours before reclining. Use a warm compress : Applying heat to the abdomen may reduce cramping. Consult your doctor if pain persists : Persistent or severe pain may indicate a more serious issue such as pancreatitis. Seek medical review promptly. 5. Headaches Headaches may occur during the adjustment phase and are often linked to hydration or blood sugar changes. Stay hydrated : Dehydration is a common trigger for headaches. Rest in a dark, quiet room : Reduces stimulation and allows recovery. Use over-the-counter pain relief : Paracetamol is generally safe, but check with your doctor. 6. Fatigue or Low Energy Feeling tired or lethargic can be frustrating. These tips may help restore energy: Prioritise good sleep hygiene : Stick to a regular sleep schedule and minimise screen time before bed. Balance activity and rest : Light movement (like walking) can improve energy levels. Monitor blood sugar levels : Hypoglycaemia may occur in some cases—especially if you’re on other medications. Discuss with your doctor if necessary. 7. Injection Site Reactions Mild swelling, redness, or discomfort at the injection site is common. Rotate injection sites : Avoid using the same area repeatedly. Apply an ice pack : Before and after the injection to reduce swelling. Keep the area clean : Prevents infection or irritation. How to Stay on Track with Your GLP-1 Treatment Mild side effects are common and often improve over time. The key is to remain consistent with your medication and use supportive strategies to manage symptoms. A t 360 SURGERY, we specialise in bariatric surgery and medical weight loss in Melbourne. Our team offers tailored support to help you navigate side effects, adjust your plan, and achieve long-term results safely. When to Seek Medical Advice Always contact your healthcare provider if: Side effects persist or worsen You experience severe abdominal pain You have signs of dehydration (dizziness, dry mouth, dark urine) You notice signs of an allergic reaction (rash, swelling, shortness of breath) Contact 360 SURGERY Melbourne If you’re using Wegovy or Mounjaro and experiencing side effects, speak to our team today. We’ll provide personalised guidance to help you manage your medication safely and effectively.
Navigating the costs of private healthcare—especially for a procedure like bariatric surgery—can feel overwhelming. Even with private health insurance, most patients are surprised to learn that out-of-pocket expenses still apply. This guide helps you understand what you’re likely to pay when undergoing weight loss surgery in Melbourne, and how to prepare financially. Two Categories of Bariatric Surgery Costs To make things easier, we’ll break down the costs into two main areas: Out-of-hospital costs In-hospital costs Out-of-Hospital Costs These are the costs incurre d before you’re admitted to hospi tal and include consultations, referrals, and diagnostic testing. GP and specialist appointments: Medicare covers a portion of these visits, but if your providers charge above the Medicare rebate, you'll be required to pay th e gap (out-of-po cket cost). Non-MBS services: Services s uch as dietitian consultations, psychologist sessions, or physiotherapy may not be listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), meaning you’ll need to pay the full amount. Pre-operative tests: The good news is that most standard blood tests, imaging, and other required diagno stics are typically bulk-billed, especially if referred by your GP or surgeon. In-Hospital Costs These are the costs associated with the surgical procedure and hospital stay. Bariatric surgeon fees: Most surgeons charge a gap fee in add ition to what Medicare or your insurer pays. Anaesthetist and surgical assistant fees: Both may bill separately and usually charge a gap not covered by your insurance. Hospital stay: This is often the most significant cost. The amount depends on your insurance policy—including your excess, co-payments, and whether your hospital is a preferred provider. If you do not have private health insurance, you’ll be responsible for the full cost of the hospital stay, which can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars depending on the facility and length of stay. How to Pay Out-of-Pocket Costs (The ‘Gap’) Even if you're insured, you will likely still fac e gap fees. It’s im portant to plan ahead. Here are some common ways to manage these costs: Personal savings: Using your own funds can avoid interest or fees associated with loans. Early release of superannuation: You m ay be eligible to access your superannuation early on compassionate grounds to pay for m edical treatment, including bariatric surgery. This involves applying to the ATO with medical certification. Medical loans and financing: Organisations such as TLC (Total Lifestyle Credit) provide personal loans tailored for medical expenses. These loans can cover surgeon fees, hospital costs, and more. What Is Informed Financial Consent? Before committing to surgery, it’s essential to ask for a written cost estimate from each provider involved in your care. This includes: Your bariatric surgeon The anaesthetist The hospital Any other specialists involved (e.g., physician, dietitian) This process is call ed informed financial consent and ens ures you: Know what you’re paying for Understand what your insurance will cover Avoid surprise bills after surgery Alway s ask questions and clarify anything you don’t understand. Key Takeaways Bariatric surgery in Melbourne involves out-of-pocket costs even if you have private insurance. Costs are divided into out-of-hospital and in-hospital components. Expect to pay gap fees for surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital stay, and any non-MBS services. You can use personal funds, early access to superannuation, or personal loans to manage these costs. Always request informed financial consent with a detailed cost estimate before undergoing surgery. While bariatric surgery is a life-changing investment in your health, it’s important to go in with clear financial expectations. Knowing what’s covered, what isn’t, and how to fund your care ensures a smoother journey to better health.
If you've recently undergone bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, managing pain safely becomes a key concern. Many patients ask: Can I take anti-inflammatory medications after bariatric surgery?
Worried about hair loss after bariatric surgery? Discover why it happens, how long it lasts, and what you can do to support healthy hair regrowth post-surgery.
Learn how to get bariatric surgery in Melbourne with this easy-to-follow guide. Explore public vs private options, find the right surgeon, and prepare for a successful outcome.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common issue for patients after sleeve gastrectomy (SG), one of the most widely used bariatric procedures. While SG is highly effective for weight loss, it can sometimes lead to or worsen acid reflux, causing discomfort and impacting quality of life. Understanding why reflux occurs and how to manage it is essential for ensuring the best long-term outcomes.
Social media is a big part of daily life, offering connection, learning, and support. For bariatric surgery patients, it can be a powerful tool—but it also has downsides. Let’s explore the good, the bad, and the ugly of social media and how it can impact your weight loss journey.
When patients hear the term “lifestyle change” before or after bariatric surgery or while considering weight management therapies, it can often feel vague or overwhelming. What does it really mean to change your lifestyle?
