For individuals seeking a non-surgical solution for weight loss, gastric balloons for weight-loss have become an increasingly popular option. These temporary devices are placed inside the stomach to create a feeling of fullness, helping you eat less and lose weight. Two of the most prominent brands in this space are Orbera and Spatz. While both offer a similar concept, they have distinct features, advantages, and disadvantages. This detailed comparison will help you understand the differences between these two systems so you can make an informed decision with your healthcare provider.
The Science Behind Gastric Balloons
Before discussing each brand, it helps to understand how gastric balloons support weight loss. This procedure, called an intragastric balloon, places a soft silicone balloon into the stomach using an endoscope. Once inside, the balloon is filled with a sterile saline solution by a healthcare professional. The inflated balloon reduces the stomach’s space, lowering its overall food capacity.
As a result, you feel full more quickly and remain satisfied for longer periods. This natural fullness encourages reduced food intake and helps with weight management. The balloon also provides a starting point for broader lifestyle changes like healthy eating and regular exercise. Doctors usually perform the procedure on an outpatient basis, with no incisions or major surgery required.
Orbera: The Six-Month Fixed Balloon
Orbera is one of the most well-known and widely used gastric balloons for weight-loss. It is a single, fixed-volume balloon designed to be placed in the stomach for a period of six months. The procedure is straightforward and minimally invasive. Just like Orbera, doctors place and remove the Spatz balloon endoscopically while the patient is under sedation. However, the Spatz3 stays in the stomach for a longer duration, lasting up to 12 months.
The main advantage of the Orbera system is its long-standing track record and proven efficacy. It has been used worldwide for many years and has demonstrated reliable results. Clinical studies show that patients using Orbera, in conjunction with a supervised diet and exercise program, lose an average of 10-15% of their total body weight.
Spatz: The Adjustable and Longer-Term Balloon
The Spatz3 Adjustable Balloon System offers a key feature that sets it apart from Orbera: adjustability. This is the world’s only adjustable gastric balloons for weight-loss, allowing for a more personalized and flexible approach. Just like Orbera, doctors place and remove the Spatz balloon endoscopically while the patient is under sedation. However, the Spatz3 stays in the stomach for a longer duration, lasting up to 12 months.
The adjustability of the Spatz balloon is its most significant benefit. If a patient experiences early discomfort or a feeling of extreme fullness, a doctor can perform a brief endoscopic procedure to decrease the balloon’s volume, thereby improving tolerance. Conversely, if weight loss begins to plateau after a few months, the doctor can increase the balloon’s volume to restore the feeling of fullness and kickstart further weight loss. This unique feature can help patients overcome plateaus and achieve higher weight loss results over the longer treatment period. Clinical data suggests that patients with the Spatz3 balloon may achieve a higher total body weight loss, with averages of 15-20%.
Comparing Efficacy and Outcomes
When considering gastric balloons for weight-loss, efficacy is a top concern for most patients. Both Orbera and Spatz have been shown to be very effective when used as part of a comprehensive, medically supervised program. However, their distinct characteristics lead to different outcomes.
- Orbera’s Efficacy: With its six-month placement, Orbera offers a rapid initial weight loss. Most of the weight loss typically occurs in the first three months as the body adjusts to the balloon.
- Spatz’s Efficacy: The Spatz3 balloon offers a longer placement period and adjustability that help combat common weight loss plateaus. The ability to increase the volume later in the treatment period helps to extend the feeling of fullness, which can lead to higher overall weight loss and a better chance of forming sustainable long-term habits.
Side Effects and Patient Experience
Both gastric balloons for weight-loss share common side effects, especially in the first few days after placement as the body adjusts. Patients commonly experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and a feeling of heaviness, and doctors typically manage these with medication. However, there are some differences in the patient experience.
With Orbera, a small percentage of patients may experience severe intolerance, which can sometimes lead to early removal of the balloon. The fixed volume means that a change in size is not an option for alleviating symptoms. In contrast, the Spatz3 balloon’s adjustability can be a major advantage. Doctors can decrease the balloon’s size to improve patient tolerance, potentially preventing the need for early removal. This feature makes Spatz a more suitable option for patients who are concerned about initial side effects.
A Look at Eligibility and Cost
Eligibility for both Orbera and Spatz is similar. They are generally recommended for individuals with a BMI between 30 and 40 who have not had success with diet and exercise alone. They are not suitable for people with certain medical conditions, such as a large hiatal hernia or a history of previous gastric surgery.
When it comes to cost, prices can vary significantly depending on the clinic, location, and the specific program included with the balloon. Typically, the Orbera system, with its six-month duration, may have a lower initial cost than the Spatz3, which requires a longer-term commitment and potentially an adjustment procedure. It is important to remember that these costs usually include the balloon placement, removal, and a comprehensive support program with a dietitian and other specialists.
The Importance of a Comprehensive Program
It is essential to understand that neither Orbera nor Spatz is a magic solution. Both are tools that must be used in conjunction with a medically supervised program. The most successful patients are those who commit to a new lifestyle that includes healthy eating, regular physical activity, and behavior modification. The balloon simply helps them feel full and empowered to make those changes. Your long-term success depends on the habits you build while the balloon is in place and how well you maintain them after removal.
Conclusion
Both Orbera and Spatz offer effective and non-surgical options for gastric balloons for weight-loss. The choice between them often comes down to individual needs and preferences. Orbera provides a proven, six-month solution with a straightforward, fixed-volume approach. On the other hand, Spatz offers a longer-term adjustable system that adapts to your tolerance and weight-loss journey. This added flexibility often results in greater weight loss. You should carefully consider the pros and cons of each option. Always consult closely with your healthcare provider before deciding. With the right gastric balloon, you can achieve your goals and begin building a healthier future.
