Spatz Balloon | Innovative, Advanced and Non-Surgical Adjustable Gastric Balloon for Weight Loss

Spatz Gastric Balloon Overview

Discover Spatz gastric balloon effectiveness, cost, and life after the procedure. As well as key details on Spatz balloon removal. Including from removal process pre-considerations to post-consideration.

In recent years, the world has dramatically shifted from surgical weight loss procedures to non-surgical ones. From Gastric Balloons and Endoscopic Gastric Bypass Revision to Endoscopic Gastric Sleeves and more, there are plenty of miraculous treatments.

Spatz3 Adjustable Gastric Balloon Key Features

The Spatz3 Gastric Balloon is an innovative, and non-surgical weight loss solution. Specially doctor-supervised weight loss treatment. Consequently, addresses the common issues with traditional gastric balloons. Nonetheless, with its adjustability feature, the Spatz3 can be customized for each patient.

Spatz3 is a small silicone balloon. Doctors place it inside the stomach. Once it’s in place, doctors fill the balloon with sterile harmless saline solution (salt water) to control patients’ appetite. However, its size adjustment uniqueness sets this adjustable gastric balloon treatment apart from others. Furthermore, owing to the patient’s fullness and tolerance. Moreover, it remains in place for twelve to eight straight months, and the size remains adjustable throughout the span.

When it comes to working, the Spatz3 gastric balloon ensures weight loss in two ways. Firstly, it occupies one-third of the stomach, giving off the feeling of fullness. Secondly, it affects stomach emptying. Finally causes food to stay in the stomach longer. Together, both of these strategies reduce meal portions by promoting the feeling of fullness. Nonetheless, retaining it for a longer span.

IBI Healthcare Institute recently launched a press release about the strategic partnership with Dr. Jeffrey Brooks, MD, Spatz Medical to offer the Spatz3 Adjustable Reversible Balloon. This partnership enhances IBI’s portfolio of advanced bariatric services. As well as providing patients with a unique, customizable weight loss option that can be tailored to individual needs.

Dr. A. Christopher Ibikunle, MD, FACS (Executive Chair/Co-Founder, Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer – IBI Healthcare) shared his thoughts on:

“Strategic collaboration with Spatz Medical allows IBI Healthcare to provide best-in-class weight loss solutions to our patients. Moreover, the Spatz3 Gastric Balloon aligns perfectly with our mission. To offer innovative and effective treatments that cater to individual patient needs. This collaboration represents a significant advancement in non-surgical weight loss solutions. Providing a new, effective option for weight management”.

Who is the Right Candidate for Spatz Balloon Procedure?

Individuals meet the following eligibility criteria. Considers as right candidates for the procedure.

Have goals of losing 20 to 50 pounds.
Are motivated to make long-term life changes.
Prefer avoiding non-surgical weight loss procedures.
Patients with Body Mass Index (BMI) between 30 to 40.
Haven’t had prior stomach surgery, like hiatal hernia repair.
Don’t take aspirin, ibuprofen, or other anti-inflammatory medications daily.
Haven’t gone through prior bariatric surgery, such as sleeve gastrectomy, lap band, or gastric bypass.

Who is Not the Right Candidate for Spatz Balloon Procedure?

Multiple conditions prevent one from undergoing the Spatz balloon procedure. These include:

Those who have drug addiction.
Pregnant or breastfeeding moms.
Suffering from chronic abdominal pain.
Patients having a gastric mass or severe coagulopathy.
Individuals who have undergone surgery on the stomach, esophagus, or duodenum.
Those who have undergone prior surgeries lead to blockage or narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract.

The First Steps in the Spatz Adjustable Balloon Procedure

Before the procedure, your healthcare professional will review your medical history and perform a physical exam to determine whether a Spaztz3 balloon is the best option for you. It’s crucial to speak openly to your doctor about any prior history that may disqualify you from the treatment to avoid later complications.

That aside, your doctor will explain in-depth the workings of the balloon and the steps involved in the insertion, adjustment, and removal of the stomach balloon. They will discuss lifestyle changes that you must opt for experiencing the true perks of the balloon implantation. You may also receive prescription medications from your doctor.

Later on, your doctor will finalize a date for placing the balloon into your stomach. You will also get prescriptions for the medicine to take after treatment. Ensure you bring them on the finalized date. Keep in mind that you will experience symptoms, like nausea and vomiting, for up to a week whether you take these prescribed medicines or not. They can’t prevent symptoms but only minimize their intensity.

What Happens During the Spatz3 Adjustable Balloon Procedures?

The doctor will restrict you from drinking or eating for around 12 hours before the procedure. Make sure to inform your doctor about any dietary changes or health issues that you have gone through since your last visit. Here is what you will experience during the procedure:

Doctors will use an endoscope- a flexible, thin tube- with a light at one end to insert a balloon into your stomach. Normally, it’s done under sedation, meaning you will be unconscious during the treatment. Once set into place, the balloon will be filled with saline and a blue-colored dye. Blue dye is placed to make your urine turn blue in case of any rupture of the balloon.

After the procedure is completed, you will remain in the recovery unit for an hour. You can leave for home once you can swallow food or walk on your own. Doctors normally advise not to drive, avoid using power tools, and don’t make any judgmental decisions for at least 24 hours.

Call your doctor if you feel pain in your arm where the needle was injected for IV fluid. If ignored, you may develop swelling or clots in blood vessels, leading to potential complications elsewhere. Also, keep a check on the frequency of urination and alert your doctor if you don’t pee within 12 hours after treatment.

Spatz Gastric Balloon – Procedure Benefits

Wondering why you should consider Spatz balloon treatment for your weight loss dreams? Here are a few weight loss balloon benefits:

Adjustability

Only the Spatz3 can be adjusted for comfort and effectiveness. Making it a customized treatment.

Extended Use

The Spatz3 can be used for up to 12 months. Much longer than other gastric balloons that need to be removed in 4-6 months.

Proven Results

Highest weight loss success rates in the industry. A game changer for patients looking for a reliable and long-term solution.

Comprehensive Support

The Spatz3 system includes full support services. To help patients develop and maintain healthy habits for long-term success.

Reversible Procedure

Spatz gastric balloons are adjustable and reversible. This means, that after the patient achieves the desired weight or the balloon’s lasting span has finished. Then doctors remove it easily.

Spatz Gastric Balloon – Removal

Doctors will remove the Spatz balloon endoscopically, in the same way as in placement and adjustment. You will be in sedation so that you remain asleep throughout the procedure. Doctors will insert the endoscope via your mouth, through the esophagus, to your stomach.

Once there, they will use a free-floating tail to deflate the balloon and subsequently remove it. The entire procedure will take around an hour. You can go home immediately after the procedure.

When Do You Need to Remove Spatz Gastric Balloon?

A Spatz balloon can remain implanted into your stomach for up to six months to twelve months maximum. The removal time depends entirely on the patient’s condition. Some might achieve their weight loss goals before twelve months. Then go through the removal process. However, some individuals wait a bit longer until twelve months to get it removed.

If your doctor still recommends a Spatz balloon after twelve months, you will need to get a new one. After twelve months, the risk of balloon deflation escalates. This can cause serious issues, as a deflated balloon may cause bowel obstruction or other issues, leading to even death.

Pre-Treatment Considerations

Your doctor will ask you to follow the same 3-day dietary restrictions before the procedure. It’s very important because your stomach must be empty before the procedure. If it’s filled with food, it can move up to your lungs via the esophagus. Further causing aspiration pneumonia and even death. If you have gone through adjustment, you must be aware of these restrictions.

Seventy-two hours before the procedure – Shift to soft foods – no veggies or meat in any form.
Forty-eight hours before the procedure – Shift to a full-liquid diet
Twenty-four hours before the procedure – Rely on clear liquids only.
Twelve hours before the procedure – Stop eating or drinking anything via mouth.

Post-Treatment Consideration

Doctors will advise you not to drive or use machinery within 24 hours. Try not to make any important decisions, too, as sedatives will impair your judgmental power.

During the first week after balloon removal, your stomach won’t return to normal. It’s because the stomach muscles have been so lazy during the last eight months. They require some time to get back to normal.

This means that you should avoid heavy foods. Such as salads, meats, raw veggies, or anything that takes longer to move from the stomach to the intestine. This can cause serious discomfort. However, you should rely on liquid foods for the first few days. Then, shift to soft foods over three or four days.

If everything goes fine and you don’t experience vomiting or nausea. Finally, you can gradually shift to hard foods. Precisely around four to five days after the removal procedure.

When to Notify Doctor?

Get in touch with your doctor if you have the following conditions. For instance fever or chill or experience nausea, vomiting, or any other symptoms. However, these may include stomach pain, blood or black bowel movements, as well as spitting or throwing up blood.

Furthermore, you may experience occasional coughing, pain, or redness at the site of the IV injection. Additionally, no urination for around 12 hours after leaving the clinic. All these symptoms need immediate action, so be sure to contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Spatz Gastric Balloon – Recovery and Risks

Life after Spatz Balloon Procedure

The implantation symptoms include burping, gas pains, heaviness, and fullness. These are the signs to remind you that you are overloading food into your stomach. After experiencing it for twelve months or less. You will feel more responsible for what you eat and how much you need to eat. Though you don’t have the balloon now for reminders. You should internalize the lesson of mindful portions in your life after the balloon.

This will help your weight loss journey you embrace a healthy lifestyle and optimal weight management. Aside from eating mindfully, you should exercise well. If you follow a similar dietary approach as with a balloon, it can be a hit. However, consult with our doctor first. You may ask them to lay out a new plan to help you maintain your weight loss.

Spatz gastric balloon can stay inside one’s stomach for a total cost of a maximum of twelve months. After this, doctors remove the balloon to set you free or implant another one if needed. At the core, it all depends on your condition and weight loss goals. The procedure is almost the same as that for insertion and adjustment. You undergo sedation, and doctors remove the balloon after deflating it.

The real test begins after the removal when you get back to normal foods. It’s the time you need to embrace mindful eating habits and portions to maintain your weight loss. In any event, consult with your doctor. And ask them to lay out a plan for you to ensure you don’t get off track. Hope you found this information worth reading. Stay tuned for more.

Are There Any Risks with Spatz Gastric Balloon?

There aren’t any potential risks associated with this procedure, as it’s reversible. However, you might experience side effects, like:

Balloon Migration or Deflation

In rare cases, Spatz gastric balloon can migrate within the stomach or deflate. Such conditions require prompt medical attention.

Gastroesophageal Reflux

Patients with a history of reflux disease may experience worsening symptoms. These can be heartburn or reflux with the balloon inside the stomach.

Strict Dietary Modifications

Diet modifications play a vital role in Spatz programs’ effectiveness. You will have to remain committed to lifestyle changes to achieve lasting results.

Discomfort

During the initial span, you may suffer nausea, vomiting, cramping, bloating, and discomfort. But it will only last until your body accepts the balloon insertion.

Spatz Balloon – Cost and Insurance Coverage

How Much Does Spatz Gastric Balloon Cost?

For those who prefer self-pay options, the Spatz3 balloon procedure costs somewhere between £2,000 and £5,000. This fee covers everything from the insertion and initial cost of the balloon placement to follow-up consultations and more. Some clinics charge up to £8500, but the typical costs fall within the span mentioned before.

Though you may find this cost out of range, don’t worry. Different clinics offer several financing options. These help lower the overall cost of the procedure, removing cost obstacles. So, it’s always better to ask healthcare providers for financing options once you have your desired clinics shortlisted for the procedure.

Is Spatz Balloon Covered by Insurance?

Insurance coverage depends on the insurance provider and insurance policy. Some may not cover it by declaring it an elective weight loss treatment. Others might have exceptional circumstances or medical indications covering this lose weight” procedure. However, most insurance companies and providers agree to offer reimbursement or partial coverage for certain aspects of the procedure. So, ensure that you thoroughly understand the reimbursement options, potential out-of-pocket costs, and coverage eligibility.

Spatz Gastric Balloon – FAQs

Is Gastric Balloon Painful?

Pain and nausea affect only 1/3rd of people after balloon insertion. However, these symptoms go away after a few days. If you follow the doctor’s recommendations afterward and stick to the dietary changes, you won’t experience any pain.

Is Balloon Surgery Painful?

Doctors will give anesthesia or conscious sedation to patients. Both of them block pain, so you won’t experience any during the surgery.

The average cost of the Spatz3 gastric balloon procedure is around $6,000 to $9,000, with varying costs depending on the provider and location. However medical tourism destinations such as Mexico offer cost-effective options for gastric balloon procedures, with prices ranging from $3,900 to $7,000. Needless to say, it comes with risks.

Call us or schedule a teleconsultation to inquire more about the Spatz Gastric Balloon and the procedure’s eligibility.