Your Guide to Spatz Balloon Before and After Transformations
If you are looking for a minimally invasive yet effective weight loss procedure, you have surely come across the Spatz3 adjustable balloon system. It represents a significant advancement among non-surgical, temporary weight loss interventions. It involves the endoscopic placement of a soft, saline-filled silicone balloon into the stomach. Continue reading to learn why this procedure works and what to expect before and after the Spatz balloon procedure.
How does Spatz Ballon work?
It is designed to help you achieve weight loss by partially filling the stomach (usually up to one-third) and delaying gastric emptying. By doing so, it helps with a sustained feeling of fullness and reduces overall caloric intake. A balloon of 300 mL or higher is generally enough to induce the sensation of satiety. The balloon's presence can also influence the levels of appetite-controlling hormones and send mechanical stimuli signals to complex brainstem circuits that affect the feeling of hunger.
How is it different from other intragastric balloons?
The Spatz3 balloon stands out as the only adjustable gastric balloon system, which comes with many advantages. This unique adjustability allows for the balloon's volume to be increased or decreased, which directly addresses two prevalent challenges encountered with gastric balloon therapies:
- Managing Weight Loss Plateaus: As patients adapt to the balloon and appetite may gradually return, or as weight loss slows, the balloon's volume can be increased. This "upward adjustment" restores or enhances the feeling of satiety, helping patients overcome weight loss plateaus and achieve further weight reduction.
- Alleviating Intolerance and Discomfort: In cases where a patient experiences significant or prolonged discomfort, such as severe nausea, vomiting, or pain, the balloon's volume can be reduced. This "downward adjustment" improves comfort and tolerance, crucially preventing premature removal of the balloon.
Another significant advantage of the Spatz3 balloon is that it is designed to remain in the stomach for 8 months. This duration is longer than other common balloons, which is around 6 months. This prolonged presence gives you more time to really adopt new, healthy dietary and exercise habits, which are super important for long-term weight maintenance.
The Spatz3 also incorporates a radiopaque marker, which makes it visible on radiographic scans and is regarded as one of the safest non-surgical weight loss options, requiring no incisions or hospitalization.
The Spatz Balloon Before and After Journey
Are you a fit?
The first step towards Spatz3 is to assess whether you are a good fit. If you have previously attempted to lose weight through diet and exercise without achieving your goal, then you might be a well-suited candidate for the procedure. Here are the main criteria:
Body Mass Index
Generally, intragastric balloon procedures are performed for individuals with a BMI between 30 and 40. But also those with a BMI between 25 and 30 who also present with one or more weight-related comorbid conditions, such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes, may be considered eligible.
Commitment to Lifestyle Changes
This is something you cannot surpass. Your commitment to embracing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is non-negotiable for a successful outcome. This includes sticking to a structured diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and actively participating in behavioral therapy or support groups.
Eligibility and preparation
There are some pre-existing medical conditions that may be contraindicated for the surgery, like a history of previous stomach or esophageal surgery. This is something you will go through with the doctor. He will also perform a series of pre-screening tests to ensure your safety and optimize outcomes. These typically include:
- Comprehensive blood tests.
- A chest X-ray.
- An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is performed if necessary based on the patient's medical profile.
At the end of the day, the ultimate decision regarding gastric balloon therapy must be made in close consultation with a qualified physician or specialist who can assess your suitability.
The After part
Average Weight Loss Statistics and Success Rates
The Spatz3 Adjustable Gastric Balloon has shown weight loss results that often exceed those of other non-adjustable balloons. Clinical trials and real-world data consistently show significant reductions in body weight.
On average, individuals who undergo the Spatz3 balloon procedure can expect to lose approximately 18% to 21% of their total body weight, or an average of 35 to 55 pounds.
In comparison to diet alone, research has shown that Spatz balloon patients lost five times as much weight as those on diet and exercise alone. This highlights the balloon's effectiveness as a significant aid beyond conventional lifestyle interventions.
Changes in metabolism, energy, and health
The presence of the intragastric balloon promotes feelings of satiation and fullness, which directly influences appetite. The balloon's mechanism, which includes delayed gastric emptying and potential changes in appetite-controlling hormones, contributes to this altered metabolic signaling related to hunger and satiety. While the balloon directly impacts food intake and the feeling of fullness, we cannot stress enough how important a change in lifestyle is for long-term weight maintenance.
Significant weight loss achieved with the Spatz3 balloon can lead to substantial improvements or even resolution of various obesity-related comorbidities. These include:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- High Cholesterol
- Other Conditions (Significant weight loss can also reduce the risk of certain cancers (e.g., breast cancer), alleviate back pain, and decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke.)
Why Spatz Balloon Before and After Results Stand Out
The Spatz3 Adjustable Gastric Balloon offers more than short-term weight loss. It provides a transformative journey when combined with lasting lifestyle changes. With an average weight loss of 18–21% of total body weight, improved metabolism, and health benefits such as better blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes management, the Spatz Balloon consistently delivers results.
If you're ready to experience your own Spatz Balloon before and after transformation, consult a qualified weight loss specialist. This minimally invasive, adjustable balloon could be the first step toward a healthier, more confident you.
FAQ
How much weight can I expect to lose with the Spatz Balloon?
Most patients lose an average of 18–21% of their total body weight during the 8-month Spatz balloon period; however, results vary depending on diet, exercise, and lifestyle commitment.
How long can the Spatz Balloon stay in my stomach?
The Spatz3 Adjustable Gastric Balloon can remain in place for up to 8 months, which is twice as long as most non-adjustable gastric balloons.
What makes the Spatz Balloon different from other gastric balloons?
Unlike traditional 6-month balloons, Spatz3 is adjustable. This allows the balloon volume to be increased to overcome weight loss plateaus or decreased to improve comfort if needed.
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