FAQ

What does the Spatz balloon look like and why is it allowed to stay in for 1 year?

The balloon is attached to a curled silicone anchor with an internal chain link, which makes it non-collapsible, yet allows the anchor to be straightened for insertion and removal. The anchor delays and in most cases prevents migration of the balloon out of the duodenum in the event of balloon deflation. A very important safety measure that is not possessed by other balloons. This unique safety feature is why the Spatz balloon has been approved for 1 year implantation in Australia and Europe.

A retractable/stretchable silicone inflation tube allows the balloon to have its volume adjusted after initial insertion while the balloon remains in the stomach. A very important function for comfort and sustained weight loss.

 

How does the SPATZ balloon compare to the Orbera balloon?

The SPATZ balloon has recently been released worldwide (2009-10) and is the first fully adjustable balloon that can be implanted for a whole year.

Adjustability is the key: When your weight loss plateaus more volume can be added to the SPATZ balloon. If you feel uncomfortable or unwell volume can be removed. Importantly, this can be done as many times as you need. 

Longer implantation is the key: longer implantation time for the SPATZ balloon means a more sustained weight loss and greater time for lifestyle change that will truly last.

The Orbera balloon has been around for many years and has an excellent track record in safety and efficasy.

Only at Sydney GB can you choose which balloon suits you best.

 

 

How does the intragastric balloon work

Once in place, the balloon is filled with saline to partially fill the stomach, helping a person to feel less hungry, so that they may consume smaller portions of food and experience similar satisfaction to what they would have previously experienced after consuming a larger meal. In the first 3 months your weight loss will plateau. With the new Spatz balloon this will trigger an adjustment procedure to increase the volume of fluid in the balloon. This leads to a second phase of significant weight loss. Because the Spatz balloon can stay in for 12 months you now have twice the amount of time to change the way you eat and make those behaviours stick.

 

How is the gastric balloon procedure performed?

The balloon is introduced into the stomach through the mouth by a gastroscopy procedure. This does not require any surgery and is performed under twilight sedation with an anaesthetist. The physician inserts an endoscopic camera (gastroscope) into the stomach. If no abnormalities are observed, the physician proceeds with placement of the balloon through the mouth and down the oesophagus into the stomach. Once inside the stomach, the balloon is filled with sterile saline through the inflation tube attached to the balloon. Once filled, the inflation tube is capped and the balloon and anchor are left in the stomach.

A qualified specialist gastroenterologist performs this procedure in conjunction with an anaesthetist and trained nursing staff.

Placement of the balloon takes approximately take 20 to 30 minutes, after which patients are monitored by  nursing staff in the recovery bay and given intravenous fluids through a drip. As this is a "day-only" procedure, patients are generally escorted home within two hours after balloon insertion.

 

Who is the intragastric balloon suitable for?

The intragastric balloon is designed to assist with weight loss in people who ideally have 10 to 50 kilograms of weight to lose. It is suitable for individuals with a BMI > 27. (calculate your BMI)

It is also used for people who are not suitable for other forms of weight loss surgery, or who do not accept the risks involved with weight loss surgery.

The  Gastric Balloon may also be used to assist in reducing weight prior to surgery, therefore reducing the risks associated with surgical procedures on overweight patients.

 

My BMI is over 35 and I have diabetes or other co-morbities; must I have a surgical procedure?

Absolutely not. The gastric balloon will work just as well for you and can potentially reverse your diabetes and bring you back into a more normal weight range. In essence, the intragastric balloon kick starts natural weight loss through reduced food intake and with the lifestyle programme through dietary change and increased exercise. The premise that these can never work for someone with a BMI over 35 is insulting. Be aware that this advice is only dispensed by surgeons and those attached to surgical practices. Check out our patient stories here.

 

How long is does the Gastric Balloon stay in the stomach?

The SPATZ intra gastric balloon can be placed in the stomach for 12 months, the Orbera can only stay in for 6 months.

While you are using the balloon, we will prescribe a course of oral medication to reduce your stomach acid (this may reduce the possibility of stomach irritation and damage to the balloon).

 

What happens if the gastric balloon deflates spontaneously?

Your physician will place a coloured dye inside the balloon called Methlyene Blue. This will help you clearly identify early deflation or leakage, as it will change the colour of your urine to green.

The SPATZ balloon has a curled silicone anchor (see above) the delays and usually prevents the balloon from leaving the stomach.

The Orbera balloon is small enough that it may pass through the intestines and leave the body naturally, but there have been some cases in which it has had to be removed from the bowel surgically.

Signs of deflation include a sudden loss of fullness, an ability to eat much bigger portions and the passing of blue/green urine due to the leaked balloon fluid. If you suspect a deflation, you must notify your physician immediately.

 

How will the intragastric balloon be removed?

The intragastric balloon is removed in the same way it was placed, via the oesophagus and mouth. Using an endoscopic camera, the physician introduces a catheter through the mouth and into the stomach. The balloon is then punctured or emptied via the inflation tube. Once the balloon is deflated it can be grasped and removed. This is no different to a simple gastroscopy or upper endoscopy procedure.

 

How much weight can I lose with the gastric balloon?

It is important for you to understand that the intragastric balloon is a tool to aid weight loss and must be used in conjunction with diet, exercise and a behaviour modification program. The amount of weight you lose and maintain will depend on how closely you follow your diet and adopt long-term lifestyle changes. Weight loss varies between 5-50kg, but the average is around 15kg.

 

What are the possible side-effects associated with the intragastric balloon?

It is very likely that the presence of the balloon in the stomach will cause nausea or vomiting for a few days after placement. Your physician will prescribe medication to help minimise these potential effects, but these can persist during the first week.

There exists the possibility that you will lose only a small amount of weight or lose no weight at all while using the balloon. Of course, your commitment to dietary and behavioural changes will determine your success.

There is also a chance that unhealthy, uncontrolled weight loss will occur and create adverse health consequences. Be sure to speak with your physician about this.

Common side-effects associated with initial placement of the balloon may include nausea, vomiting or stomach pain within the first three to five days after placement, the intensity of which can vary. Rarely, the balloon may induce a stomach ulcer, worsen reflux oesophagitis or cause other problems.

 

What if I keep on vomiting no matter what?

If you have the SPATZ balloon this will not be an issue. Volume can be removed from the balloon until you are comfortable again. Sometime down the track more liquid can be added to make sure you lose the weight you need to.

 

Will I be able to feel the balloon in my stomach?

There will be discomfort during the first few days after the procedure. From then on, the intragastric balloon will give you a feeling of fullness. Some people can feel their balloons externally, others can not. After the first week it does not cause any discomfort.

 

How long will it take to recover after the procedure?

You should plan at least five days of inactivity to recover from the procedure. You will be able to resume normal activity sooner or later than this depending on how quickly your body adjusts to the balloon.

 

Does the gastric balloon require frequent visits to my doctor after the procedure?

The follow-up program is critical to success of the balloon and in learning new lifestyle skills. You will meet with your lifestyle team at least once-a-month while the balloon is in place. During this time your progress will be evaluated and you will learn valuable principles of health, nutrition and exercise that will provide you a foundation for long-term success.

 

Will the intragastric balloon limit my activities?

During the first week of the procedure you should not plan any heavy activities. Once your body has adjusted to the balloon you can continue your normal activities. Starting a regular exercise program is highly recommended and will improve your success.

 

Can I drink alcohol?

Alcohol in moderation is fine.

 

Can I eat anything I want? Are there any food restrictions?

Unlike the gastric band or sleeve, you can eat any type or consistency of food you wish.You will not feel like eating as much as you used to. In addition, if you eat fatty foods or sweets, you may feel unwell. Excessive overeating while the balloon is in place can prove dangerous.