Adjustable gastric balloon
Spatz3 is an adjustable gastric balloon placed by endoscopy. In Mexico, it can remain in place for up to 12 months, and its volume can be increased or reduced during treatment.
01 · What it is
Spatz3 is a soft silicone balloon placed in the stomach by endoscopy and filled with sterile saline. It occupies space in the stomach, which reduces food capacity and may prolong satiety. Placement is an endoscopic procedure, not surgery.
The volume can be increased or reduced through the catheter during an outpatient visit. The adjustment is based on the patient's tolerance and progress.
The instructions for use in Mexico specify a maximum placement period of 12 months. FDA authorization limits placement to 8 months in the United States. The applicable duration depends on the country and the clinical plan.
02 · Who it's for
The recommendation depends on BMI, medical history, previous treatments, and readiness to follow the nutrition and physical-activity program.
The instructions for use in Mexico include temporary use in patients with overweight or obesity and a BMI above 27 who have not achieved and maintained weight loss with a supervised program.
Patients with very high BMI (>50) who need to lose weight before undergoing major bariatric surgery to reduce surgical risk.
Gastrointestinal history, contraindications, and treatment goals are reviewed before the balloon is recommended.
The balloon must be combined with a supervised diet, medical follow-up, and behavioral changes during and after treatment.
03 · The procedure
Medical assessment, clinical nutritional evaluation, and review of gastrointestinal history. We confirm there are no contraindications for endoscopic placement (active ulcers, large hiatal hernia, prior gastric surgery).
Placement uses conscious sedation, as in a standard endoscopy, according to the instructions for use in Mexico. The balloon is introduced through the mouth by endoscopy, positioned in the stomach, and filled with sterile saline through the catheter.
Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain may occur after placement. Management depends on the severity of the symptoms.
You transition from liquids to soft foods during the first weeks. The clinical nutritionist adjusts the nutrition plan according to your progress.
The volume can be increased or reduced through the catheter during an outpatient visit. The adjustment is based on the patient's tolerance and progress.
At the end of treatment, no later than 12 months, the balloon is removed endoscopically under conscious sedation. The procedure is similar to placement. Nutritional follow-up continues to maintain results without the balloon in place.
04 · Outcomes
A randomized multicenter trial compared the adjustable balloon plus a lifestyle intervention with the lifestyle intervention alone. Individual results vary and depend on medical follow-up, nutrition, and physical activity.
The 95% confidence interval was 13.9% to 16.1% in the group that received the adjustable balloon.
In the trial, 145 of 187 participants had an adjustment for a weight-loss plateau or intolerance.
Intolerance caused early removal in 31 of the 187 participants who received the balloon.
Outcome source: Abu Dayyeh et al., The Lancet (2021). Spatz Medical funded the study. The instructions for use in Mexico describe other possible complications.
05 · Cost
Cost varies according to the hospital, adjustment visits, and nutritional follow-up. We review the case and define the price during the assessment.
WhatsApp me your weight, height, and any medical conditions. I respond personally, normally within 24 hours: whether you're a candidate and what the next step is. Exact costs and hospital are discussed at your assessment, with financing options if you need them.
06 · Spatz3 vs Allurion
07 · Frequently asked
Next step
Send me your weight, height, and medical conditions on WhatsApp. During the assessment we review whether the balloon is appropriate for you, the hospital, and financing options.
Personal reply within 24 hours