Gastric Balloon in the USA

After the saline-filled balloon is placed in your stomach, it will occupy around one-third of the available space, so your stomach won’t be able to hold as much food as it could before. The balloon also helps to slow emptying , enabling you to feel full for longer, which in turn helps you to consume smaller portions.

Two critical features set Spatz3 apart from the competition: 1) Spatz3 is the only adjustable gastric balloon; this means it can be adjusted early for your comfort, as well as later to ensure lasting, sustained weight loss. At all times, Spatz3 is customized to meet you where you are in your weight loss journey. 2) Spatz3 is the only balloon approved to stay in your stomach for 12 months, twice as long as other products on the market (8 months in the US). Longer implantation means more time for you to adopt healthier eating habits, and prepare for a lifetime commitment of healthy habits and wellbeing. *Mohammad H. Jamal, et al. *Genco A, et al.

The Spatz3 intragastric balloon is designed for those aiming to lose at least 10 kg (22 lbs). Depending on your country, individuals with a BMI greater than 27 or 30 is required. Spatz3 is also the optimal solution for people who don’t fit the criteria for weight loss surgery, or those who are reluctant to undergo invasive surgical procedures such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or lap band surgery. Spatz3 can also help people lose weight before surgery (such as orthopedic or gallbladder surgery), to lower risks associated with such surgeries. All in all, the Spatz3 gastric balloon is an effective, non-invasive alternative to weight loss surgeries.

Your balloon can be adjusted to make it larger or smaller, multiple times. Each adjustment consists of a quick 15-minute endoscopy procedure while you’re under conscious sedation to keep you comfortable. These adjustments will help to ease your journey and make sure your balloon remains effective from start to finish.

If you find that the balloon isn’t as effective as it was previously or your weight loss begins to plateau, your balloon’s volume may need to be increased. The gastric balloon effect normally starts to fade after two to four months, which means you can usually expect to have a balloon adjustment around the four-month mark. If you’re finding it tough to cope with your symptoms after your balloon has been implanted, you’ll have the option to have a down-adjustment, to reduce the volume of your balloon. This adjustment should help ease your symptoms, making your weight loss journey a much smoother and more comfortable experience.

The Spatz3 procedure starts with a standard endoscopy while you are under conscious sedation – you will be asleep and awaken shortly after the procedure. If there are no abnormalities, the gastric balloon is gently inserted through your mouth and into your stomach. Once the balloon is in your stomach, it is filled with a sterile saline solution. The entire process takes around 15 minutes. Once the balloon is inserted, you will be monitored for around an hour after which you will be free to head home and begin your weight loss journey.

Most patients will have varying degrees of nausea, vomiting or abdominal discomfort for three or four days, and sometimes longer. Be sure to arrange four to five days off from work and make arrangements for childcare if relevant. Feel free to ease back into your normal routine sooner or later than the recommended time frame – just remember to listen to your body and go at your own pace.

At your consultation, your healthcare provider will check your medical history and perform a physical exam to determine whether the Spatz3 weight loss treatment is a good match for you and your needs. Your provider will discuss your lifestyle and habits and together, you’ll explore the pros and cons of the balloon, as well as the benefits and risks of other weight loss treatments. This way, you’ll have all of the information you need to make the best choice for your weight loss journey.

During your consultation, your doctor and dietician will learn about your eating habits, any health concerns or queries you might have, and your weight loss goals. These questions are asked to make sure your providers fully understand your needs in order to deliver the best treatment.

During the first few weeks, after advancing from a liquid to a solid diet, you will be restricted in the amount of fiber in your diet. Vegetables and fruit can cause bloating, so as time progresses, fiber can be slowly reintroduced, as tolerated. In general, with your gastric balloon in place, you’ll likely experience a diminished appetite. That being said, overeating while the balloon is implanted, may cause symptoms such as: bloating, belching, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, cramping. Continuous overeating could hamper progress and may cause side effects, such as excessive vomiting and dehydration. That being said, you’ll partner with your healthcare providers on this journey; you’ll discuss your eating habits and nutrition plan with your dietician or nutritionist and it’s always a good idea to check in with them before introducing new foods to your diet. For more information, please review our treatment guide.

Enjoying a glass of wine once or twice a week should be fine. But keep in mind that drinking any amount of alcohol can increase the risk of developing stomach ulcers, so it’s best to enjoy it in moderation.

In the first week after your procedure, it’s best to take it easy and not dive straight back into your normal routine. But once your body gets used to your balloon, you can start to ease yourself back into your regular day-to-day activities. In fact, starting an exercise program is encouraged; it’ll not only make you feel happier and healthier, but will also increase your chances of achieving successful weight loss.

Spatz’s program, encourages weight loss by incorporating a holistic approach, including learning and adopting healthy new lifestyle skills. Throughout the year, you’ll have several check-ins with your doctor, and multiple visits with your dietician or nutritional counselor at least once or twice a month while your balloon is in place. At these check-ins, you’ll be able to track your progress and get valuable tips on health, nutrition, and exercise to set you up for long-term success. These follow-ups help you make the most of your weight loss journey.

In the first few days after your balloon has been fitted, you will feel varying levels of discomfort. From that point on you might experience sensations like fullness, heaviness, or bloating, or you may not feel anything at all – unless you overeat.

It’s common for your balloon to cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, or varying levels of stomach pain in the first few days after it’s been fitted. Your doctor will recommend medication for these side effects, which generally diminish over the first week. Once you get past the first week and start getting back to eating semi-solid foods, and then full solids after two weeks, any side effects you experience will most likely be related to the amount or types of food you’re eating. You may feel bloated or experience regular burping, pain, nausea, vomiting, or heartburn if your diet isn’t quite balanced. It’s important to follow your diet plan and listen to your body.

It’s important to remember that your gastric balloon is only a tool to help you on your weight loss journey. To get the most out of your treatment, you will need to complement your balloon with lifestyle changes, including a well-planned, balanced diet; regular exercise; and a defined program to change your habits. Losing weight and maintaining the weight loss will depend on your dedication to these changes. The average weight loss with our gastric balloon can vary from approximately 14 kg (32 lbs) to 25 kg (55 lbs), and we’ve seen many patients lose significantly more. There are those who will lose a small amount of weight, but if you remain steadfast to the lifestyle changes, your weight loss journey will be a successful one. And in order to ensure you lose weight in a healthy and controlled way, so as to avoid negative impacts on your health, it’s best to keep in regular contact with your doctor.

The balloon is inflated using a blue liquid, and if your balloon ever deflates or leaks, the liquid will turn your urine green. If this occurs, simply contact your doctor and an immediate appointment will be set to remove the balloon.

You can enjoy the benefits of the Spatz3 intragastric balloon for up to 12 months (outside of the US). During your weight loss journey with Spatz, your physician prescribes oral medication to keep your stomach acid in check, in order to lower the chances of stomach irritation and keep your balloon in optimal condition.

Removing the Spatz3 intragastric balloon is quick and easy. In just 15 minutes, the balloon is removed just as it was put in -through an endoscopy procedure while you are under conscious sedation.