Both Gastric Ballooning as well as Gastric Banding are designed to help people lose weight in conjunction with healthy modifications in diet and lifestyle.

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 get the adjustable gastric band put in place.

The Spatz3 Adjustable Balloon is a medical grade balloon, filled with saline that rests in the stomach cavity and occupies approximately a third of the stomach volume that causes a decrease in appetite. In addition, with the gastric balloon in place, the stomach empties relatively slowly, so you have a feeling of fullness for longer period of time. 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.

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, non-invasive alternative to gastric bypass surgery, lap band surgery and other bariatric surgeries.