If you’re considering a gastric balloon, such as the Spatz3 Adjustable Gastric Balloon, you might be confused about the differences between gastric banding and the gastric balloon option, since they sound so similar. Let’s take a closer look at them.
Both are designed to help people lose weight in conjunction with healthy modifications in diet and lifestyle. Both are able to be adjusted during the lifetime of the device.
Adjustable gastric banding is a surgical option. It’s a type of bariatric surgery. With gastric banding, also called a lap band, an inflatable band is surgically placed around the stomach. This creates a small pouch in the upper part of the stomach which limits the amount of food a person can eat at one time. Gastric banding is generally performed as laparoscopic surgery, and is considered the least invasive form of bariatric surgery. However, it is still surgery and comes with all the risks of major surgery as well as the recovery time. In addition, some patients are not eligible for the laparoscopic procedure and need to undergo an incision in order to have the adjustable gastric band put in place.
The Spatz3 Adjustable Balloon is a medical grade, saline-filled balloon that rests in the stomach cavity and decreases appetite by occupying approximately a third of the stomach volume. In addition, with the gastric balloon in place, the stomach empties more slowly, keeping you feeling full longer. The adjustable gastric balloon does not require surgery. It is inserted during a routine, out-patient procedure known as an endoscopy.
To be eligible for an adjustable gastric band, you either need a BMI of 40 or above or a BMI of 30 and above with at least one serious health issue that can improve with weight loss, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, gastric reflux or metabolic syndrome.
The requirements for an adjustable gastric balloon are lower. You need a BMI of 27 or above and you don’t necessarily have to suffer from any related conditions. As an example, a woman who is 162 cm (5’4″) tall and weighs 73 Kg (160 pounds) would be eligible for the adjustable gastric balloon. The same woman would have to weigh at least 105 Kg to be eligible for an adjustable gastric band.
Adjustable gastric balloons may also used for people who are not suitable candidates for weight loss surgery. The use of the gastric balloon may be used to reduce weight prior to any surgery, therefore reducing the risks associated with surgical procedures. The Spatz3 Adjustable Gastric Balloon is an ideal, noninvasive alternative to gastric bypass surgery, lap band surgery and other bariatric surgeries.
For more information about adjustable gastric balloons and to see whether you might be a good candidate, take a look at the Spatz Medical website.
Rebeca Espinoza 100×65 Author: Rebeca Espinoza
Rebeca Espinoza writes about health, fitness and weight loss for Spatz Medical, makers of the Spatz3 Adjustable Gastric Balloon. You can find her on at [email protected]. Like the Spatz3 Adjustable Gastric Balloon page on Facebook or follow us on Pinterest for healthy eating tips, inspiring quotes, videos and photos and more.
