title: Internet of things and bariatric surgery follow-up: Comparative study of standard and IoT follow-up.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Follow-up of obese patient is difficult. There is no literature related to patient follow-up that incorporates the concept of Internet of Things (IoT), use of WiFi, Internet, or portable devices for this purpose.
  
  
  METHODS
  This prospective observational study commenced in June 2011. Patients were prospectively offered to participate in the IoT study group, in which they received a WiFi scale (Withing®, Paris) that provides instant WiFi data to the patient and surgeon. Other patients were admitted to the standard follow-up group at the outpatient clinic. A total of 33 patients were included in our study (ten in the IoT group).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twelve patients did not have WiFi at home, ten lacked of computer knowledge, and seven preferred standard for follow-up. All patients underwent different surgical procedures. There were no complications. Excess weight loss (EWL) was similar in both groups. More than 90% of patients were satisfied. In the IoT group, patients considered it valuable in saving time, and considered seeing their evolution graphics extremely motivating.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  IoT technology can monitor medical parameters remotely and collect data. A WiFi scale can facilitate preoperative and follow-up. Standard follow-up in a classical outpatient clinic setting with the surgeon was preferred globally.
authors.affiliation: Endocrine, metabolic and bariatric Unit, General Surgery Department, University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Universitat AutÃ²noma de Barcelona, Center of Excellence for the EAC-BC , Barcelona , Spain.
authors.forename: Ramon
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vilallonga
authors.forename: Albert
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lecube
authors.forename: José Manuel
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Fort
authors.forename: Maria Angeles
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Boleko
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hidalgo
authors.forename: Manel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Armengol
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D050110:Bariatric Surgery / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015431:Weight Loss; D059015:Wireless Technology; D055815:Young Adult