Spatz Gastric Balloon
The Spatz gastric balloon is an adjustable, non-surgical weight loss option designed to support your health and weight management goals. Placed in the stomach through an endoscopic procedure, this temporary intragastric balloon takes up space to help you feel fuller. Treatment combines the balloon with nutritional guidance, lifestyle changes, and medical supervision.
For patients exploring weight loss without surgery, options include gastric balloons, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, and endoscopic Gastric Bypass Revision for eligible patients experiencing weight regain after gastric bypass. These procedures offer alternatives to Bariatric Surgery, depending on your medical history, previous treatments, and weight loss goals. At IBI Clinic, our team can help you understand your options and determine which approach fits your needs.
Procedure Details
How the Spatz Balloon Procedure Works
Doctors perform the Spatz gastric balloon procedure endoscopically, placing the balloon through the mouth without surgical incisions. The process includes the following steps:
- Sedation – First, you receive sedation or anesthesia to help keep you comfortable during the procedure. Your medical team determines the appropriate option for you.
- Endoscopic Placement – Once you are comfortable, the doctor guides the deflated balloon through your mouth into your stomach, using an endoscope with a small camera to assist with placement.
- Balloon Inflation – After confirming the position, the doctor fills the balloon with saline solution to the appropriate volume. The balloon takes up space in your stomach to help you feel fuller.
- Recovery and Monitoring – Finally, the medical team monitors you as the sedation wears off. Before you go home, you receive instructions on diet, symptom management, and follow-up care.
Spatz Gastric Balloon Removal Process
Removal is simple and takes less than 30 minutes. Likewise, the doctor removes it endoscopically. Here are the necessary steps:
Sedation – The medical tea will sedate you so you are comfortable. Deflation – Using an endoscope the doctor will deflate the balloon. Extraction – Then the doctor removes the deflated balloon through your mouth.
Who is a Candidate for the Spatz Balloon?
The Spatz gastric balloon may be an option for adults seeking non-surgical weight loss who have not achieved lasting results through a supervised weight management program. Candidates include adults with a BMI of 35–40, or a BMI of 30–34.9 with at least one major obesity-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea.
At IBI Clinic, our bariatric team evaluates your medical history and weight loss goals to determine whether this adjustable gastric balloon is right for you. Treatment includes ongoing nutritional support and lifestyle changes to help support long-term weight management. Calculate your BMI as a first step toward understanding your options.
Key Differences Between Spatz and Orbera Gastric Balloons
Choosing between the Spatz and Orbera gastric balloons depends on your medical needs, weight loss goals, and budget. While both offer a non-surgical approach to weight management, they differ in several ways:
Duration – In the United States, the Spatz3 balloon can remain in the stomach for up to eight months, while the Orbera balloon is approved for up to six months.
Adjustability – Another key difference is that a doctor can adjust the Spatz balloon’s volume during treatment through an additional endoscopic procedure. In contrast, the Orbera balloon has a fixed volume that cannot be adjusted after placement.
Cost – Finally, pricing varies depending on the provider and what the treatment program includes. When comparing costs, ask whether the price covers balloon placement, removal, follow-up care, and any adjustments.
Spatz Gastric Balloon Volume Adjustment
One of the key features of the Spatz gastric balloon is its adjustable volume, which allows your doctor to tailor treatment to your needs. Depending on your progress and how well you tolerate the balloon, your doctor may increase or decrease its volume through an additional endoscopic procedure.
For example, reducing the volume may help improve comfort if you experience intolerance, while increasing it may help support further weight loss when appropriate. This flexibility allows your medical team to adapt your treatment based on your response and weight loss goals.
The Spatz adjustable gastric balloon including placement, adjustment, and removal, typically takes 20-30 minutes each. This quick and minimally invasive process allows patients to resume normal activities shortly after the weight loss procedure itself. The convenience and efficiency of the Spatz adjustable gastric balloon weight loss procedure will make it an attractive option for many patients seeking weight loss solutions.
The Spatz balloon lasts up to 12 months, longer than other balloons that last 6 months. More time for weight loss and to develop healthy eating and lifestyle habits. This is a unique feature of the Spatz balloon that leads to better understanding, more serious weight loss goals, and more long-term lifestyle well-term results. Additionally, the extended duration helps individuals develop healthier eating habits by limiting the amount of food they can consume, encouraging better eating behaviors.
The Spatz gastric stomach balloon and success rates are impressive. Patients lose an average of 15-20% of their body weight in 6 months. The longer duration of the Spatz stomach gastric balloon placement, (up to 12 months) allows for continued weight loss and habit formation. When combined with a comprehensive weight loss program (diet and exercise) the weight loss results are even better.
The Spatz gastric balloon can help individuals to lose weight a significant amount of weight. On average, patients can expect to lose weight of between 20% and 30% of their excess body weight over 12 months.
This varies depending on other factors, such as exercise, lifestyle changes, and adherence to post-procedure guidelines. The adjustable nature of the Spatz balloon allows for personalized adjustments. Decreased risks while maximizing weight loss outcomes.
Call us or schedule an appointment today to inquire more about intragastric balloon pricing details or obesity coverage. As well as to discuss your medical history and address your weight loss goals.
The Spatz gastric balloon is typically not covered by insurance in the United States, so patients generally pay out of pocket. However, coverage varies by plan, so it is best to confirm your benefits directly with your insurance provider before scheduling treatment.
Some plans may cover bariatric procedures, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, when patients meet specific medical and policy requirements. Your bariatric team can help you explore suitable treatment options, while your insurer can confirm coverage, preauthorization requirements, and any out-of-pocket costs.
Gastric balloon costs vary depending on the balloon type, provider, and services included in your treatment plan. Some programs bundle balloon placement, removal, nutritional support, and follow-up care, so it is helpful to request a detailed estimate before making a decision.
When comparing the Spatz gastric balloon with other options, consider your medical needs, treatment duration, and the level of ongoing support alongside the price. Your bariatric team can help you choose an appropriate option based on your health history and weight loss goals.