At the Mazan Surgery Clinic, we specialize in stomach reduction with a gastric balloon – ORBERA365 or SPATZ3.
Contact our Bariatric Patient Coordinator.
Gastric balloon placement involves inserting a special silicone balloon through the throat and esophagus into the stomach using an endoscope. The balloon is filled with saline to a volume of 400 to 700 ml, depending on the size of the stomach. It is made of a special material resistant to digestive acids.
The balloon can remain in the stomach for 6 to 12 months, depending on medical indications. After a period determined by the doctor, the balloon is removed endoscopically. To maximize patient comfort, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The entire procedure lasts approximately 30 minutes, after which the patient remains under observation for several hours.
In the first few days after balloon insertion, the patient feels uncomfortable. Nausea, bloating, diarrhea, and cramps may occur as the stomach adjusts to the balloon. These symptoms usually disappear after a few days, and if necessary, your doctor may prescribe soothing medications.
The average weight loss a patient can expect 6 months after balloon placement is approximately 15- 20 kg. However, weight reduction depends on the introduction of physical activity and changes in diet and the type of food consumed.
A balloon is a spherical object inflated with saline that can be freely enlarged or reduced. It is placed in the digestive system, specifically the stomach, and usually takes up about 1/3 of its volume. A gastric balloon allows for a feeling of fullness while consuming less food and reduces appetite. This solution also helps stop snacking between meals and causes the digestive system to empty more slowly. The balloon insertion procedure involves administering pharmaceuticals that relax and calm the body. The doctor then inserts the object into the appropriate location through the esophagus using appropriate bariatric techniques and endoscopic instruments. After this, it is inflated with saline until the desired volume is achieved. The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes and is fully reversible.
Obesity treatment with Spatz gastric balloons is distinguished by their adjustable capabilities. This allows for volume reduction in the event of side effects such as vomiting, nausea, or discomfort. This adjustment is also useful if the patient requires an increase in the size of the gastric balloon after some time. Thanks to these solutions, Spatz3 achieves an 84 percent success rate, unlike other manufacturers. The advantages of gastric reduction surgery include the wide range of options for changing the balloon’s volume as needed, as well as adapting it to the overall therapy prescribed by doctors.
The best preparation for the procedure involves eating your last meal early in the evening before arriving for the balloon placement procedure in the morning. The obesity treatment center recommends a minimum of 6 hours without food and getting plenty of sleep. The support of a companion is also important, as after an hour the patient is ready to go home, but they cannot drive. It’s also a good idea to ask other people for help and take time off work for the next few days (4-5), as you may feel weak or tired, which requires maximum recovery. It’s also important to stay in constant contact with your doctor or clinic and ask about any discrepancies.
The most common symptoms immediately after the procedure are a feeling of fullness in the stomach, which should subside within a few days. Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, cramps, or pain may also occur during this time. This is a response to the foreign body, to which the body must adapt or undergo a new procedure to adjust the balloon volume to the patient. Additional negative experiences may include the recommendation to consume a liquid diet for the first few days, followed by a semi-liquid diet, and only then gradually returning to normal meal patterns.
Stage one is associated with the first few days after implantation. During this time, stomach reduction with the balloon may be associated with feelings of weakness, abdominal pain, heartburn, reflux, nausea, or vomiting. This condition can persist for 7 days and be difficult, but it motivates change. Stage two is the period after the initial symptoms, which allows for a return to full strength. This is when discomfort and pain subside, and understanding of the signals sent by the stomach begins. Grumbling, a feeling of fullness, and bloating are initially intense, but gradually diminish. These symptoms motivate the patient to change their habits and take better care of their diet. This process ultimately allows them to learn the right approach to eating.
Various gastric reduction methods may have certain contraindications for patients. The Spatz balloon may not be suitable for individuals:
Studies show that the SPATZ3 gastric balloon, thanks to its volume-regulating function, is 84 percent effective, unlike other products designed for the same purpose. Additionally, it allows for 1.5 times more weight loss than previous balloons, which is similar to bariatric surgery. The average weight loss using this solution is between 16 and 25 kilograms. However, it’s important to remember that the procedure should be accompanied by a healthy diet and physical activity.
Bariatric surgery is a branch of surgery that deals with the surgical treatment of obesity.
Bariatric surgery is intended for people who, despite conservative treatment (diet and exercise), fail to lose weight. During bariatric surgery, the stomach is reduced in size (the method of reduction depends on the method chosen).
The price depends on the chosen gastric reduction technique. For example, a gastric balloon costs between 7,500 and 9,700 PLN. Gastric plication costs around 14,000 PLN. The price of gastric reduction surgery depends on many factors, including the qualifications of the bariatric team that performs the surgery and prepares the patient for a new life.