Efficacy of a Mobile Application and Semi-attendance Program in Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND: Applications for mobile devices in patients with obesity offer a great opportunity to improve the quality of care and the monitoring of patients in bariatric surgery programs. This is especially pressing in the context of an increasing prevalence of obesity, and longer waiting lists in bariatric surgery programs.

OBJECTIVES: The main objective is to evaluate the efficacy of a digital platform on mobile devices in obesity and bariatric surgery programs. Investigators will compare weight loss at 12 months after surgery in patients in the standard of care program and those in a semi-attendance program with digital support through a mobile application. As secondary objectives, it will be compared: (1) the number medical complications, the quality of life and satisfaction, physical activity, diet and attrition at 12 months after surgery. Investigators will also study the patient interaction with the platform and social networks.

TRIAL DESIGN: Randomized, non-inferiority clinical trial with a 12-month follow-up.

METHODS: 72 patients will be randomized (1: 1) to standard of care program and to semi-attendance program with digital support from the bariatric surgery program waiting list. Inclusion criteria: age between 18 and 60 years, body mass index between 35-50kg/m2, candidates for the sleeve gastrectomy technique, and possession of a mobile device. Participants will be evaluated before and 12 months after surgery. Variables: anthropometric measurements, medical complications during follow-up, quality of life, diet and physical activity questionnaires. Primary endpoint: weight loss 12 months after surgery.