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The adjustable Spatz3 gastric balloon

Weight Doctors® GASTRIC BALLOON 1 year

The Spatz3 gastric balloon stays in the stomach for a whole year – time to change your habits through all four seasons. Its fill volume can be adjusted, and an anchor is intended to prevent it slipping into the intestine.

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How your therapy is structured

Two building blocks.
One plan.

The Weight Doctors® MEMBERSHIP is the foundation of every therapy: medical oversight, progress monitoring and aftercare. The treatment you choose together with your specialist builds on it.

Building block 1

Weight Doctors® MEMBERSHIP

The foundation for every Weight Doctors® therapy – with the tools that support your treatment and record your progress for your medical consultations.

  • Weight Doctors® AppKeep an eye on weight, activity and sleep, for iOS and Android
  • Digital body scalesBluetooth scales – the readings flow straight into the app
  • 3D BodyscanMeasure body composition objectively, up to twice a year
  • Priority access to specialistsby phone, video or on site, without a long wait
  • 360 coaches and Weight Doctors® MiraNutrition and behaviour in everyday life, aftercare with your coaches
  • E-prescription servicePrescriptions issued digitally – after medical approval
More on the Membership
Building block 2

Weight Doctors® GASTRIC BALLOON 1 year

The Spatz3 gastric balloon stays in the stomach for a whole year – time to change your habits through all four seasons. Its fill volume can be adjusted, and an anchor is intended to prevent it slipping into the intestine.

Procedure
Endoscopic, temporary
Duration
12 months
Price
from €3,490
Costs

The Membership does not replace a medical decision: whether treatment makes sense, and which one, is decided by your specialist after a medical assessment.

Personally here for youDr. med. Robert Jenner · Visceral surgery

Your guide

The Spatz3 at a glance

What defines the adjustable gastric balloon for one year – from the anchor and readjustment to the question of what you contribute yourself. You can find the overview of all balloons under Weight Doctors® GASTRIC BALLOON.

Spatz3: an adjustable gastric balloon without surgery

Many people find it hard to strike a balanced relationship between diet and exercise. Often, too much eating combines with too little exercise. The consequences: weight rises, and satisfaction with yourself falls.

The Spatz3 helps restore the balance – without a radical, unhealthy diet and without surgery, which puts a strain on the body. It is introduced endoscopically, that is by gastroscopy, through the mouth and throat into the stomach and filled there with blue-dyed saline solution, to approx. 500 ml. In this way, it reduces your portions naturally and can strengthen your motivation: you gain freedom and still have a companion who keeps an eye on the quantity and regularity of your meals.

It can stay in the stomach not just for 6, but for 12 months. For 12 months, there is also the Orbera®365 alongside the Spatz3; but only the Spatz3 can be readjusted during the wearing period and has an anchor. In the consultation, we put together with you the treatment package that suits your goal.

The adjustable Spatz3 gastric balloon, filled, with valve and catheter
The Spatz3, filled, with valve and catheter.

Why Spatz3 – and why 12 months?

  • Twice as long a wearing periodA whole year instead of half a year: you can change your habits through all four seasons. This can reduce the pressure for rapid weight loss and makes the change easier to tolerate.
  • Adjustable fill volumeWith the balloon already in place, the fill volume can be adjusted. It can thus be tailored to you, and nausea or vomiting can be reduced.
  • With anchor systemAn anchor holds the balloon in the stomach: it is intended to prevent the balloon from passing into the intestine should it ever deflate.
  • No incision, no scarsA surgical procedure is not necessary: there is no wound that has to heal and there are no scars – considerably less risk for you than with an operation. Because the treatment is time-limited, you afterwards live your newly learned lifestyle again entirely without medical restrictions.
  • No long-term medicationOnce the first phase is over, you need no further medication for the balloon – additional risks and side effects from medicines do not arise.
  • Supported throughout the yearOur gastric balloon team accompanies you through this challenging time, supported by app-based coaches.

Who is the Spatz3 suitable for?

Consultation at Weight Doctors®, with a gastric balloon on the table

Procedure with the Spatz3

Twelve months give you time to try out new things and make them stick. Adjusting the fill volume divides the year into two phases: first, you change portions, routines and exercise with coaches and the app; then the new habits become everyday life with an adjusted fill volume. This is how it works:

Doctor with the endoscope in front of the monitors in the examination room
  1. ConsultationFirst, you discuss all the details of the treatment with our specialists.
  2. PlacementThe outpatient placement under sedation (twilight sleep) or brief general anaesthesia takes no longer than 30 minutes. Afterwards you stay in the clinic for approx. 1 hour for observation and then go home.
  3. Getting used to itIn the first days, an upset stomach and feeling unwell with vomiting are possible. This phase is usually over after about 3–5 days.
  4. Adjust fill volumeAfter 3 or 6 months, the volume can be adjusted during a short gastroscopy – depending on how you tolerate the balloon and how you are losing weight.
  5. RemovalAfter 12 months, the balloon is removed as an outpatient under sedation, in the same way it was inserted.

Adjusting the fill volume: more comfort or more effect

Like other gastric balloons, the Spatz3 works from day one. Its special feature: its volume can be changed during the wearing period in a further gastroscopy.

If the balloon has been very uncomfortable so far, or you have had greater difficulty getting used to it, the fill volume is reduced – wearing it becomes more comfortable. If the effect is smaller than hoped, the balloon is enlarged. It then takes up somewhat more space in the stomach and can help you limit the amount of food even better.

Transparent stomach model with a gastric balloon

With anchor system: how safe is the Spatz3?

The anchor of the Spatz3 is intended to prevent the balloon from slipping into the digestive tract and causing an intestinal obstruction – for example in the very rare case that it deflates due to a defect. It then stays in the stomach and can be removed and replaced by gastroscopy via the oesophagus and mouth.

What studies say about the safety and effectiveness of the adjustable balloon is summarised in the article Meta-study on the Spatz3. The Spatz3 is placed by specialist doctors with many years of experience with the gastric balloon.

Hands of the endoscopy team at the gastroscope, with the monitor in the background
  • GermanyProf. UyakSpecialist in internal medicine and emergency medicine
  • GermanyNetherlandsDr. MörmelSpecialist in internal medicine
  • GermanyPD Dr. WichmannSpecialist in visceral surgery & expert in endobariatrics
  • GermanyDr. JohnSpecialist in internal medicine & gastroenterology

All specialists

What is possible with the Spatz3?

Weight loss of up to 25 kg is possible with the Spatz3. Together with a continuous change of diet and exercise therapy, greater weight loss is possible with the wearing period twice as long. In our experience, weight loss can increase once more in the second phase after the fill volume is adjusted; the longer treatment period can also help you maintain the weight you have reached more easily afterwards.

Results vary from person to person – your specialist will discuss with you what is realistic for you. The progress shown below was measured with the Weight Doctors® 3D Bodyscan or photographed before and after treatment.

Weight Doctors® staff members on the open day

Results vary from person to person. The images show Weight Doctors® patients who have consented to their publication.

All success stories

What you contribute yourself – and who accompanies you

The Spatz3 is an aid for a lasting change of diet, not a substitute for it. What matters is that you leave long-learned habits behind. Alongside the gastric balloon team and the coaches in the Weight Doctors® App, personal nutrition coaching supports you on request.

Christine opted for the Spatz3 and lived with the balloon for a year. In the film below on this page, she tells how she experienced the insertion and the time afterwards; you can find more patient stories in our media library. You can read what the support around your treatment looks like under Weight Doctors® 360°.

Christine, a Weight Doctors® patient who wore the Spatz3 for a year

What does the gastric balloon for 1 year cost?

Weight Doctors® GASTRIC BALLOON is available from €3,490; we set the exact price for the Spatz3 in the consultation. The balloon is a self-pay service; German statutory health insurers do not cover the costs. If you do not wish to pay the amount in one go, you can pay in instalments.

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All prices

Paying in instalments: how it works

If you would like to spread the costs over a longer period, payment in instalments via our partner medipay is possible. You decide the instalment amount and term yourself; medipay reviews your application promptly. You submit the application together with us during your consultation, by phone or entirely paperless online – more under Pay in instalments.

The requirement is sufficient creditworthiness. In detail:

  • Main residence in Germany
  • no negative Schufa entries
  • employed or retired, with disposable income
  • Students, trainees and homemakers can enter a second person from the same household as the borrower – a parent, child, spouse or partner

From just €50 a month** Financing via medipay, subject to credit approval.

Apply for instalmentsMore on instalments

Weight Doctors® on film

On film

When the video is played, data is transferred to YouTube (Google). More on this in the privacy policy.

The Spatz3 gastric balloon for 12 months

When the video is played, data is transferred to YouTube (Google). More on this in the privacy policy.

How the gastric balloon is placed in the stomach

When the video is played, data is transferred to YouTube (Google). More on this in the privacy policy.

How the Spatz3 gastric balloon works

When the video is played, data is transferred to YouTube (Google). More on this in the privacy policy.

Christine talks about her year with the Spatz3
Instagram · 1 year

Up close

Insights from the clinic, team and treatment – short and real, just like on our Instagram channel.

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Your specialists

In specialist hands.

39 doctors in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and South Africa – at the Weight Doctors® Nationalklinik in Wertheim and at your location.

  • GermanyDr. JohnSpecialist in internal medicine & gastroenterology
  • GermanyNetherlandsDr. MörmelSpecialist in internal medicine
  • GermanyProf. UyakSpecialist in internal medicine and emergency medicine
  • GermanyDr. SudholtSpecialist in internal medicine
  • GermanyE. BeckerSpecialist in internal medicine
  • GermanyDr. ZimmerSpecialist in internal medicine / gastroenterology
  • GermanyM. Al RashdanSpecialist in internal medicine & gastroenterology
  • GermanyM. Al HamedSpecialist in internal medicine & gastroenterology
  • NetherlandsDr. StraathofSpecialist in gastroenterology & hepatology
  • United KingdomDr. BansiSpecialist in gastroenterology
  • South AfricaDr. NaiduSpecialist in internal medicine
  • GermanyNetherlandsDr. ScheffelSpecialist in general and bariatric surgery
  • GermanyAustriaProf. MillerSpecialist in general and visceral surgery
  • GermanyPD Dr. WichmannSpecialist in visceral surgery & expert in endobariatrics

All specialists

Frequently asked questions

Questions about Weight Doctors® GASTRIC BALLOON 1 year

Your question isn’t listed? Your specialist will take time for it during the consultation.

What does the Spatz3 offer compared with a diet?

With the Spatz3, you can lose weight in a relatively short time. It can also help you change your diet to a healthy level more easily and reduce cravings.

How long does the Spatz3 stay in the stomach?

A whole year – twice as long as the classic gastric balloon for 6 months. After 12 months, it is removed again as an outpatient.

How is the Spatz3 inserted?

Endoscopically via the mouth and oesophagus, under sedation (twilight sleep) or brief general anaesthesia. Placement takes no longer than 30 minutes; afterwards you stay about an hour for observation and then go home.

Is wearing it a nuisance?

At first, your stomach has to get used to the balloon; an upset stomach, feeling unwell and vomiting are possible. This is usually over after 3–5 days. After that, you notice the Spatz3 mainly in that you feel full faster and have cravings less often.

Will I be in pain during insertion?

The pain is very slight: you doze or sleep during the short placement, and there is no cutting. You are generally socially presentable again after 3–4 days.

When and how is the fill volume adjusted?

Generally after 3 or 6 months, once you have got used to the balloon. During a short gastroscopy, saline solution is drained or topped up – depending on whether the balloon causes discomfort or you are losing less weight than hoped.

Is there a risk of the balloon slipping into the intestine?

This is what the Spatz3 has its anchor system for: it is intended to prevent the balloon from slipping into the intestine and causing an intestinal obstruction – even if it deflates.

What happens if the balloon leaks?

This happens very rarely, for example due to a defect. The empty Spatz3 then stays in the stomach and is removed and replaced by gastroscopy via the oesophagus and mouth.

How much weight can I lose with the Spatz3?

Weight loss of up to 25 kg is possible with the Spatz3. How much it will be for you depends on how consistently you change your diet and exercise. Results vary from person to person.

What do I need to contribute to the success of the treatment?

The balloon is an aid for a lasting change of diet. What matters is that you change your lifestyle and leave long-learned habits behind. We offer further approaches with which you can increase your chances of losing weight together with the Spatz3.

How is the Spatz3 removed after a year?

The same way it was inserted: as an outpatient under sedation, endoscopically via the mouth. The appointment is short, and afterwards nothing is left in the stomach.

What does the gastric balloon for 1 year cost?

Weight Doctors® GASTRIC BALLOON is available from €3,490; the balloon is a self-pay service. You can pay the costs in instalments via medipay. All prices under Costs & prices.

Spatz3 or Allurion gastric balloon – which suits better?

The Allurion gastric balloon is swallowed and stays for about four months – intended for smaller weight-loss goals. The Spatz3 stays for a year, can be adjusted and is intended for larger goals. We clarify what suits you in the consultation.

Why Weight Doctors®

Good reasons for Weight Doctors®.

Specialised in one thing: lasting weight loss – from medication to surgery, with specialists at your location and our own Nationalklinik.

  • 23Locations in 6 countries
  • 39specialists
  • 5×ProvenExpert Top Recommendation in a row
  • 9treatments from gentle to surgical
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Other treatments

All paths.
From gentle to surgical.

Every method has its place. Here you can see at a glance how major the procedure is, how long it takes and what starting price you can expect.

Wide range of services
no procedure
Surgery
No procedure

Weight Doctors® GLP-⁠1 pharmacotherapy

Medication-based, no procedure

Medically supervised pharmacotherapy with regular progress monitoring – with no procedure at all.

Duration3–12 months
Pricefrom €599
No procedure

Weight Doctors® 360°

Nutrition coaching

Nutrition coaching and support in everyday life – in person, by video and in the app.

Durationper session
Pricefrom €65
Long-lastingNewAt the Weight Doctors® Nationalklinik

Weight Doctors® hydroGMA

Endoscopic, no incisions

Losing weight without medication: lowering the hunger hormone endoscopically – no surgery, no incisions. On its own or combined with an endo sleeve.

Durationapprox. 30 min
Priceon request
You are hereNo surgery

Weight Doctors® GASTRIC BALLOON

Temporary, also swallowable

A temporary companion for 6 or 12 months – also swallowable, with no endoscopy at all.

Duration6 or 12 months
Pricefrom €3,490or from €50 a month*
No surgeryHealth insurance cover also possible*

Weight Doctors SLEEVE®

Endoscopic, permanent

Permanent stomach reduction without conventional surgery – endoscopic, outpatient, without scars.

Duration30–60 min
Pricefrom €5,500or from €199 a month*
With surgeryHealth insurance cover also possible*

Weight Doctors BARIATRICS®

Surgical, minimally invasive

Gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery for higher BMIs, incl. private medical preliminary examination and aftercare.

Duration1–3 nights
Pricefrom €2,500or from €278 a month*
With surgeryHealth insurance cover also possible*

Weight Doctors® REVISION

Corrective procedure after weight-loss surgery

Corrective procedure when earlier weight-loss surgery has not brought the desired success.

Durationindividual
Pricefrom €900
LipoedemaHealth insurance cover also possible*

Weight Doctors® Lipoedema surgery

Liposuction for lipoedema

Specialised liposuction that specifically removes diseased fatty tissue in lipoedema and can relieve pain.

Duration1.5–3 hours
Pricefrom €950
After weight lossHealth insurance cover also possible*

Weight Doctors® RESHAPE

After weight loss

Post-bariatric body contouring after successful weight loss.

Durationindividual
Pricefrom €1,950

* For patients with German statutory health insurance: if the medical indication is established in line with the DGAV guidelines, reimbursement may be possible.

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Locations

Consultation at many locations

Whether the Spatz3 suits you, we clarify in a personal conversation – on site, by video or by phone. Enter your postcode or choose your city:

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Consultation

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