Not sure if this address your project or not, maybe I am just plain mistaken here. I guess in my mind I am thinking of an analog read of the gage so as the force on the gage would create a measurable change in resistance , more of a position sensor. Sorry if I misunderstood your application.
A Strain gauge (sometimes referred to as a Strain gage) is a sensor whose resistance varies with applied force; It converts force, pressure, tension, weight, etc., into a change in electrical resistance which can then be measured. When external forces are applied to a stationary object, stress and strain are the result.