Illustration combining medical technology with successful weight loss after bariatric surgery.

eHealth for Bariatric Surgery: A Smarter Way to Lose Weight?

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Can technology boost your weight loss journey after bariatric surgery? A new study explores the role of eHealth in improving outcomes."

The rise of digital devices and widespread internet access has transformed healthcare, offering new ways to support patients. eHealth, which includes telehealth and telemedicine, is being explored for its potential to improve outcomes after bariatric surgery. The question is, can eHealth tools really make a difference in weight loss, co-morbidity reduction, and overall patient commitment?

Bariatric surgery is a powerful tool against morbid obesity, but long-term success depends on patient selection, an experienced medical team, and a comprehensive follow-up program. Traditionally, follow-up involves support groups, psychological skills training, and dietary counseling. However, delivering this care can strain resources, and not all patients fully participate.

Recognizing the limitations of traditional care, researchers are investigating the potential of eHealth to enhance outcomes. A study was conducted to assess the value of incorporating different levels of eHealth into bariatric surgery aftercare, aiming to understand if technology can bridge the gap and improve patient results.

Does eHealth Really Boost Weight Loss After Surgery?

Illustration combining medical technology with successful weight loss after bariatric surgery.

The "BePatient" trial, a randomized controlled study, sought to determine if different levels of eHealth could improve outcomes for bariatric surgery patients. The study enrolled 200 adult patients with a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m², or ≥ 35 kg/m² with obesity-related co-morbidity, undergoing sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass.

Patients were divided into three groups:

Control Group: Received standard post-operative care.
Online Group: Received standard care plus access to an online eHealth platform.
Device Group: Received standard care, access to the eHealth platform, plus wireless monitoring devices (weighting scale; a blood pressure meter; oxygen saturation meter; and an activity bracelet).

The primary goal was to measure weight loss in terms of BMI after two years. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, return-to-work time, co-morbidity reduction, additional contacts, and ease of device use. The researchers hypothesized that more eHealth would lead to greater weight loss and improved satisfaction.

The Future of eHealth in Weight Management

The BePatient trial aimed to address a vital question: can eHealth enhance bariatric surgery outcomes? By comparing different levels of eHealth support, the study provides valuable insights into how technology can be integrated into post-operative care.

While the study is ongoing, its design and objectives highlight the importance of exploring innovative approaches to healthcare delivery. eHealth solutions, like the ones tested in this trial, offer the potential to extend care beyond the clinic and empower patients to take control of their health.

As the healthcare landscape evolves, understanding the value of eHealth will be crucial for optimizing patient care and improving outcomes in chronic conditions like obesity. The results of this study are eagerly awaited to inform the future of bariatric surgery aftercare.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1186/s13063-018-3020-x, Alternate LINK

Title: Assessing The Value Of Ehealth For Bariatric Surgery (Bepatient Trial): Study Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial

Subject: Pharmacology (medical)

Journal: Trials

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Dirk P. A. Versteegden, Magaly J. J. Van Himbeeck, Simon W. Nienhuijs

Published: 2018-11-14

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is eHealth, and how is it used?

eHealth platforms and devices are digital tools and systems used to support and improve healthcare delivery. In the context of bariatric surgery, eHealth is used to improve patient outcomes after surgery. It includes telehealth and telemedicine to enhance weight loss, improve co-morbidity reduction, and boost patient commitment.

What was the 'BePatient' trial?

The 'BePatient' trial is a randomized controlled study conducted to determine if different levels of eHealth could improve outcomes for bariatric surgery patients. The study involved 200 adult patients. They were divided into three groups: Control Group (standard care), Online Group (standard care plus an online eHealth platform), and Device Group (standard care, eHealth platform, plus wireless monitoring devices like a weighting scale, blood pressure meter, oxygen saturation meter, and activity bracelet). The aim was to measure weight loss and other outcomes after two years.

What were the main goals and outcomes of the 'BePatient' trial?

The 'BePatient' trial's primary goal was to measure weight loss in terms of BMI after two years. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, return-to-work time, co-morbidity reduction, additional contacts, and ease of device use. This is important because long-term success depends on patient selection, an experienced medical team, and a comprehensive follow-up program. The study aimed to understand if technology could bridge the gap and improve patient results.

What were the different groups in the 'BePatient' trial, and what care did they receive?

The control group in the 'BePatient' trial received standard post-operative care, which typically includes support groups, psychological skills training, and dietary counseling. The online group received standard care plus access to an online eHealth platform. The device group received standard care, the eHealth platform, and wireless monitoring devices such as a weighting scale, a blood pressure meter, an oxygen saturation meter, and an activity bracelet.

Why is the use of eHealth in bariatric surgery aftercare important?

The 'BePatient' trial's focus on eHealth in bariatric surgery aftercare is significant because it addresses the limitations of traditional care. Traditional care, which includes support groups and counseling, can strain resources, and not all patients fully participate. The study investigates the potential of eHealth to enhance outcomes, potentially leading to more effective and accessible post-operative care for patients undergoing procedures like sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass. The implications could be better patient outcomes, including improved weight loss and co-morbidity reduction.