LapBand Surgery vs. Gastric Balloon - Seeking information

rosedagal · May 30, 2017

I am in the process of being cleared for bariatric surgery - all that I am now awaiting is the final dietician meeting in a few weeks. I have 90-100 lbs to lose.

I have done a lot of research and am convinced I do not want a permanent surgery, such as the sleeve or bypass. My surgeon is fine with providing the LapBand surgery, which is covered by my insurance.

Now it looks like I'll soon be spending about 6 weeks in another country where I could legally get a gastric balloon - I know is not cleared by the FDA in the USA.

I have done research about the Spatz3 balloon, which can be kept in the stomach for up to a year. (http://www.spatzmedical.com/faq.html)

Does anyone have any knowledge or recommendations on what is preferable?

Thank you!

Songbird1230 · October 30, 2017

I had the GB in the USA last year and while I lost about 20 lb, it was obviously not worth the money. I'm getting banded tomorrow.

Songbird1230 · October 30, 2017

The Spatz balloon does look interesting tho. Good luck!

patriciakristina09 · March 9, 2020

Hi, how did the Spatz work for you? I’m considering it

over65 · March 14, 2020

There are some interesting YouTube videos from UK where ballon is being used in bariatric cases. Balloon is used there for massively obese parients who must lose weight before surgery because surgery too risky at BMI greater than 50. These patients were only allowed to have ballon in stomach for 6 months. The greatest problem they had was continuous nausea. Patients could feel the balloon in stomach. Some patients did well and some actually gained weight with balloon. Had a lot to do with patient motivation and compliance like all other weight loss interventions.

There are 5 episodes. Here is link to first: