If you are part of our weight loss surgery support group at CentraState Medical Center, or you know someone who monitors their daily fitness, you’ve probably heard them say, “I have to get in my 10,000 steps today…”
In the obesity battle, many companies have jumped on the fitness tracker bandwagon. In fact, there are so many options on the market it can be challenging to understand which one is right for you and your lifestyle.
Are you a techie who will download the software and monitor your progress online every day?
Or, conversely, do you simply want to look at the device, see how far you’ve gone — and be done with it?
Fitness Trackers for Bariatric Patients
One of my bariatric patients who works in IT shared this review of fitness trackers from PC Magazine which offers a helpful overview of the most popular options.
We posted a query on our Facebook about preferred fitness tracker brands and the FitBit was the most popular. It’s also the device I see on the majority of our participants at our Prime Surgicare Fitness Group events.
Courtney Wagenblast, who lost well over 125 pounds, says “My vote goes to the FitBit because I am able to comfortably wear it under my clothes everywhere I go and get an accurate count of my movement 24/7. I wear the black one and don’t even realize I have a bracelet on.”
Fitness Apps for Bariatric Patients
Committed to your phone and only your phone? We’ve got an app for that, of course.
In fact, there are thousands of free and/or affordable fitness and nutrition app tools which are just a click away. But which are the tried, true and recommended apps? A few of the most popular are Cody, Human, Moves and LoseIt.
Learn more about these fitness and nutrition apps, plus recommendations and reviews for others here.
Befriend a Fitness Tracker and Lose More Weight
Regardless of the device or app you choose, pick one and really use it. It’s a very enlightening and even educational tool. Do you know some patterns in your exercise plan which are good — and not so good?
Now that you’ve got the tools, you also have the power to make changes, if needed. Remember, when it comes to your weight loss, You. Are. In. Charge.
Most importantly, regardless of where you are the battle against obesity, just keep walking, climbing stairs, bending and stretching, biking, jogging and swimming.
If the impending weather keeps you indoors this weekend, put on a video and follow it for 40 minutes. It will keep you on track — and not the slightest bit interested in what’s happening in the kitchen.
About Dr. Seun Sowemimo, MD, FACS
Dr. Seun is a top NJ bariatric surgeon and the medical director at Prime Surgicare, with offices in Freehold serving Monmouth and Ocean counties. He is board-certified, Columbia and Yale University fellowship-trained in advanced laparoscopic, bariatric and general surgery.
To learn more, visit his YouTube channel or call Prime Surgicare at (732)-982-2002.