Since the mid-1980s, multiple types of gastric balloons have been used to treat overweight and obese individuals. Since the first gastric balloon treatment, the Garren-Edwards Gastric Bubble (GEBG) in 1985, there have been a lot of advancements in the gastric balloon weight-management systems.
Here is a complete ORBERA vs ReShape vs Spatz Balloon comparison to choosing the best option for you. Comparison of gastric balloon procedures success rate, expected results, excess weight loss, complications, reviews, FDA approval, and methods.
What Gastric Balloons are FDA Approved?
At this point in time, there are three types of Gastric Ballon procedures that are FDA approved1 in the United States. These FDA approved balloon systems include:
- ORBERA® IntraGastric Balloon System (ORBERA Weight Loss Balloon)
- ReShape™ Duo Balloon System (ReShape Dual Weight Loss Balloon)
- Obalon® Balloon Systems (Obalon Gastric Balloon/Obalon Balloon Pill)
The Spatz3 Adjustable Balloon System (Spatz3 Gastric Balloon) is CE approved and not yet FDA approved in the United States. Fortunately, there are many other options to receive the Spatz3 balloon. The medical tourism industry offers all types of cost-effective procedures including options that may not be covered by insurance or FDA approved.
Why Choose Gastric Balloon?
Today there are several leading gastric balloon implants to choose from, namely the Orbera vs ReShape Duo vs Spatz3 and even Obalon Balloon Systems. Patients typically choose gastric balloon because it is the most “non-invasive” form of weight loss surgery because the patient does not have to undergo any surgical operation.
Patients can expect to lose weight fast within the first few months expecting an average excess weight loss of 20-45 pounds over the six-month or one-year time period that the gastric balloon is in the stomach. Depending on the type of balloon system and patients’ needs, duration of the gastric balloon treatment ranges from six months to one year. Although patients will not lose as much weight as other weight loss surgery procedures like gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass surgery, or duodenal switch surgery.
How Gastric Balloon Works
The Gastric Balloon Weight-Management Device is chosen because the balloon is inserted through the mouth using an endoscope. An endoscope is a guiding tube with a camera that doctors/surgeons use to insert the gastric balloon through the patient’s esophagus into the stomach. The balloon is “deflated” when it is inserted, then is “inflated” after it reaches the stomach and is placed correctly.
With advancements in endobariatrics (or endoscopic procedures), several experimental weight loss solutions are sure to come to market within the next few years.
This Orbera vs ReShape Duo vs Spatz Gastric Balloon comparison is based on readily accessible studies that have been published.
Note: ReShape Duo and especially Spatz have limited data in research journals.
Orbera vs ReShape Duo vs Spatz Comparison
Type of Balloon System | Orbera | ReShape Duo | Spatz |
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Method of Weight Loss | Restrictive | Restrictive | Restrictive |
Adjustable? |
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Filled With? |
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Balloon Capacity |
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Treatment Duration |
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Expected Excess Weight Loss (%EWL) |
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Total Body Weight Loss (%TBWL) |
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Common Complications, Risks |
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Early Rate of Removal |
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Gastric Balloon Benefits, Results, and Weight Loss
Overall, the Spatz Adjustable Balloon System has limited research, so we truly can’t fully compare its efficacy and effectiveness with the Orbera Balloon and ReShape Duo Balloon Systems. However, based on their initial weight loss data, this adjustable balloon seems promising.
Studies show that 80% of the weight loss occurs in the first three months, meaning one of the primary benefits of gastric balloon system is that it helps accelerate weight loss and minimize side effects that many “starvation” or “eating less” diets cause.
Which One is Best?
In comparison between the Orbera vs ReShape Duo, it shows that the Orbera and the ReShape are similar in terms of expected weight loss. The Orbera seems less risky, having a lower percentage of patients having to get the balloon removed before the initial treatment duration. In comparing Orbera vs ReShape vs Spatz for the best choice in long-term weight loss, it makes sense to consider the Spatz as the best option for overall expected excess weight loss.
Mexico Bariatric Center offers affordable and high-quality weight loss surgery procedures with trusted, certified surgeons in Mexico. Contact us today for pricing, procedures, and more information!