Gastric Balloon (SPATZ) in Mexico — From $3,000 USD
A non-surgical, reversible weight-loss option placed by endoscopy at our accredited hospitals in Tijuana, Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. An honest comparison from board-certified bariatric specialists.
- 20-minute outpatient placement
- Up to 12 months in place
- 10–15% total body weight loss
- 50,000+ SPATZ patients worldwide
What Is the Gastric Balloon?
The gastric balloon (also called intragastric balloon) is a soft silicone device placed inside your stomach via endoscopy — no incisions, no cuts. Once inside, it's inflated with saline solution to take up space and reduce hunger.
The balloon stays in for up to 12 months, then is removed the same way it was placed. SPATZ is the only adjustable balloon on the market — we can increase or decrease its volume during your treatment to optimize comfort and results.
It's not surgery, but it's also not a magic fix. The balloon is a tool that gives you a head start while you build new eating habits with our nutrition team.
The Only Adjustable Gastric Balloon
Not all gastric balloons are the same. We use SPATZ3 because of three key advantages over older balloons.
Adjustable Volume
If you experience nausea early on, we can deflate slightly. If weight loss plateaus, we can add more saline — without removing the device.
Up to 12 Months
SPATZ3 is FDA-approved for stays up to 12 months — twice as long as most balloons. More time means more sustained weight loss.
50,000+ Patients Worldwide
Used in 80+ countries with extensive clinical safety data. Placed only by trained endoscopists like Dr. Alejandro López.
What to Expect, Step by Step
20-Minute Outpatient Procedure
Endoscopic placement under sedation at hospital-grade facility. No incisions. You'll go home the same day with diet instructions.
Possible Nausea & Cramping
The most common drawback: 70%+ of patients experience nausea, vomiting or stomach cramps the first 7–14 days while the body adjusts. Anti-nausea medication helps. We monitor closely.
Active Weight-Loss Phase
Most weight loss happens in months 1–4. Typical results: 10–35 lb total. Requires committed lifestyle change — the balloon alone is not enough.
Second Endoscopy + Additional Cost
The balloon must be removed by a second endoscopy. This procedure is NOT included in the $3,000 placement fee. Budget for the removal separately.
Maintaining Without the Balloon
Studies show up to 50% of patients regain weight within 12 months of removal if lifestyle changes weren't permanent. This is the most important risk to consider.
Cost of the Gastric Balloon in Mexico
All-inclusive placement, performed by board-certified specialists at accredited hospitals.
Includes: SPATZ3 balloon, endoscopist fee, hospital, anesthesia, nutrition coaching for 6 months.
Important: Balloon removal (second endoscopy at month 6) is billed separately — typically ~$1,500 USD.
Total 6-month cycle: ~$4,500 USD (placement + removal)
For comparison: gastric sleeve in Mexico starts at $4,500 USD — only ~$0 more than a complete balloon cycle, but with a permanent solution.
Honest Drawbacks You Should Know
We could oversell this. Instead, we'll be upfront — because investing in the wrong procedure costs you more in the end.
- ⏳ Only 6–12 monthsIt is NOT a permanent solution. The balloon must come out — and many patients regain weight afterward.
- 🤢 Initial side effectsNausea, vomiting and cramping during the first 1–2 weeks are very common (70%+ of patients).
- 💸 Removal costs extraThe $3,000 placement does not include the removal endoscopy at month 6 (~$1,500 USD additional).
- 📉 Weight regain riskStudies show up to 50% of patients regain weight within 12 months of balloon removal if lifestyle changes weren't sustained.
- 🚫 BMI limitsBest for BMI 30–35. For BMI 40+, sleeve or bypass deliver much better long-term outcomes.
- ⚠️ Possible complicationsThough rare, complications include balloon deflation, gastric ulcers, and intolerance requiring early removal.
Balloon vs Sleeve vs Bypass — Side by Side
| Factor | Gastric Balloon | Gastric Sleeve Most Popular | Gastric Bypass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration of effect | 6–12 months only | Permanent | Permanent |
| Average weight loss | 10–35 lb total | 60–70% of excess weight | 70–80% of excess weight |
| Surgery required? | No (endoscopy) | Yes (laparoscopic) | Yes (laparoscopic) |
| Diabetes / GERD impact | Minimal | Improves both | Best for diabetes |
| Recovery time | 1–3 days | 5–7 days | 7–10 days |
| Cost in Mexico (ALO) | $3,000 + $1,500 removal | From $4,500 all-inclusive | From $6,900 all-inclusive |
| Best for BMI | 30–35 | 35–50 | 40+ or diabetic |
Is the Gastric Balloon Right for You?
🟢 Good candidate if you:
- Have BMI 30–35 (overweight but not severely obese)
- Want to test weight-loss commitment without surgery
- Need to lose 20–40 lb before another surgery (pre-op tool)
- Don't qualify for or refuse bariatric surgery
- Are willing to commit to 6 months of diet + exercise
- Can tolerate the first 1–2 weeks of adjustment
🔴 Not the best fit if you:
- Have BMI 40+ (sleeve or bypass delivers far better outcomes)
- Want a permanent, definitive solution
- Have type 2 diabetes (bypass is much more effective)
- Have severe GERD, ulcers, or prior stomach surgery
- Cannot commit to long-term lifestyle change
- Don't want to pay for a second procedure (removal)
Balloon Placement at 3 Accredited Hospitals in Mexico
Endoscopic balloon placement is a 20-minute outpatient procedure at any of our 3 facilities. Pick the city that fits your flights and recovery preference.
Tijuana, Mexico
Fly to San Diego, 30-minute drive across the border. The most popular city for US patients and the most affordable option.
Tijuana details
Guadalajara, Mexico
Mayo Clinic Network-affiliated hospital. Direct flights from Chicago, Texas, LA. Mexico's medical capital.
Guadalajara details
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Pacific coast resort recovery. Direct flights from Canada (Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary) and major US cities.
Vallarta detailsGastric Balloon FAQs
Does the gastric balloon hurt?
How much weight will I lose with the gastric balloon?
Will I regain the weight after removal?
Why is the gastric balloon cheaper in Mexico?
Is the balloon covered by US insurance?
Should I get the balloon or the gastric sleeve?
Can I get the balloon and then switch to the sleeve later?
How long is the trip to Mexico for the balloon?
Not Sure If the Balloon Is Right for You?
Get an honest, no-pressure evaluation from Dr. Alejandro López. We'll review your BMI, health history and goals — and recommend the option that fits YOUR life, not the one that sells best.
Board-Certified Bariatric Specialists · Tijuana · Guadalajara · Puerto Vallarta · 20,000+ procedures performed