27 Aug Comparing gastric balloons: adjustability is key for improved success rates

Gastric balloons are a popular non-surgical treatment for weight loss, thanks to their effectiveness in helping patients lose weight by restricting food intake and experiencing a feeling of fullness.

Although the procedure might be similar regardless of the option chosen by the patient, Spatz3 is the only gastric balloon in the market that has the possibility of adjusting its size. This proposes various benefits that make the success rate score higher than with non-adjustable gastric balloons.

WHAT IS A GASTRIC BALLOON

To understand the differences between an adjustable and non-adjustable gastric balloon, first, we need to understand how they work.

A gastric balloon is made of silicone rubber that’s inserted through the mouth and placed in the stomach using an endoscope. Once it’s in the stomach, it’s filled with saline solution to take up space. Because of the lack of space around it once filled, the patient will feel satiated quicker, eat less, and therefore, lose weight. The procedure usually takes 15 minutes, and the patient can go home once the sedation wears off.

The first two weeks after the procedure, the patient will be on a liquid diet and gradually transition to solid food. Usually, the healthcare professionals will offer other guidelines, such as a recommended diet or workout plan, so that the patient continues losing weight not only while the gastric balloon is inside but also after it’s been removed.

Unless there is any intolerance issue, the balloon will remain in the patient’s stomach for six months. Once it’s removed, he or she is expected to continue practicing the same healthy habits to maintain the weight loss.

TYPES OF GASTRIC BALLOONS

Currently, there are three brands of gastric balloons in the market, and they can be separated into two types. Allurion and Orbera offer a non-adjustable balloon, while Spatz Medical is the only option in the market with a balloon that can be adjusted in size. To understand why this new feature is essential for weight loss treatment, we should look at the differences between the two types.

NON-ADJUSTABLE GASTRIC BALLOONS

Although non-adjustable gastric balloons can help patients lose a significant amount of weight, their percentage of weight loss is lower than those with an adjustable gastric balloon, as its fixed size makes it harder to overcome obstacles during the process.

A common challenge that a patient might face is experiencing a weight loss plateau, a period usually between the second and fourth month of having the gastric balloon inserted. After having lost weight in the first months, they are unable to lose more and they get stuck. Without the ability to adjust the balloon to increase the size and encourage the body to lose more weight, the results of the gastric balloon could be ineffective after the 4-month mark.

Additionally, 10% of patients develop some kind of intolerance or discomfort once the balloon is inserted. If the option of reducing the size of the balloon is not possible, the only solution may be to remove the balloon before the treatment is over.

These two common issues don’t mean that non-adjustable gastric balloons aren’t effective and can’t help patients in their weight loss journey. However, they could be avoided with the use of an adjustable balloon.

ADJUSTABLE GASTRIC BALLOON

Spatz3 is the first and only gastric balloon with an adjustability feature. This unique component allows the physicians to customize its volume during the treatment, helping prevent and adapt to challenges that are often present during traditional gastric balloon procedures.

As we mentioned before, 10% of patients experience some kind of intolerance towards the balloon. In this case, Spatz3 can decrease the size of the balloon to ensure that the patient’s body is adjusting correctly to the balloon without having to remove it before the treatment is over. Eventually, if the body responds well, it can be gradually refilled.

Another common issue already mentioned is weight loss plateau. Around the fourth month mark of having the gastric balloon inserted, if the patient isn’t losing more weight, the healthcare professional can increase the volume of the balloon to trigger the weight loss.

Furthermore, the Spatz3 gastric balloon treatment can last up to eight months, in contrast to the six months of other gastric balloons. This longer treatment allows the patient to adapt to the lifestyle change when it comes to their diet and physical activity so that once the treatment is over and the balloon is removed, they can continue practicing those healthy habits and maintain their weight loss in the long term.

AGE LIMIT FOR GASTRIC BALLOON

The age of the patient can also affect the body’s tolerance of the gastric balloon. In the United States, the age limit for a gastric balloon is 18. In other countries, if the age of consent is lower, younger people may be eligible for gastric balloon surgery, but their BMI has to be of 30-40 (or 27 in some regions). Regardless of the situation, it’s imperative to consult with a doctor, as there could be different factors that make the patient unable to undergo the treatment even if they are over the age of consent.

On the other hand, the maximum age limit is 65. Generally, patients over 65 might not tolerate the nutritional deficiencies that come with the gastric balloon treatment. Similarly, there is a physical capability needed to engage in exercise that can be difficult at a certain age.

CLINICAL SUCCESS AND PATIENT OUTCOMES

Clinical trials have proven the superior effectiveness of Spatz3 compared to non-adjustable gastric balloons. With an 84% success rate and an average weight loss of 15% of their initial body weight, as well as 74.3% of patients maintaining significant weight loss six months post-removal.

The adjustability feature in the Spatz3 gastric balloon provides safety, comfort and higher weight loss success rates by delivering a tailor-made treatment for the patient. Consulting with healthcare providers can help determine the most suitable choice based on individual health needs and weight loss goals.

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Last Updated on September 17, 2024 by Marie Benz MD FAAD