⚡ Quick Answer
The Spatz adjustable gastric balloon costs $3,000 USD for placement and $1,500 USD for removal in Tijuana. It's a non-surgical option that stays in the stomach for 6–12 months. Most ALO Bariatrics patients lose more weight long-term with bariatric surgery — the balloon is best for BMI 27–35, or as a bridge to surgery.
What is the Spatz balloon?
The only adjustable intragastric balloon — designed for personalized weight loss
The Spatz3 gastric balloon is a soft silicone balloon placed in the stomach via endoscopy (no incisions). It takes up space, helping you feel full sooner and eat less.
Unlike the Orbera or Allurion balloons, Spatz can be adjusted after placement — your doctor can increase or decrease the saline volume during the treatment to optimize results or improve tolerance.
Duration: 6–12 months · Average weight loss: 10–15% of total body weight · Placement: 20-minute endoscopy under sedation, no incision, outpatient.
Pricing · Tijuana, Mexico
Transparent pricing — no hidden fees
Placement
Endoscopic placement + sedation + observation
- Spatz3 adjustable balloon
- 20-min endoscopy under sedation
- Anesthesia & private room
- Diet & nutrition consultation
- Bilingual coordinator
Removal
Removal at 6 or 12 months
- Endoscopic removal
- Sedation & recovery
- Post-procedure observation
- Maintenance plan handoff
Total program: $4,500 USD (placement + removal). MSI promotion with participating banks available.
Not sure if you qualify?
Take our medical questionnaire — under 2 minutes
Our medical team reviews your case at no cost and recommends the best option — balloon, surgery, or another path — based on your BMI, history, and goals.
Start medical questionnaire →⚠️ Contraindications
When the gastric balloon is NOT recommended
The Spatz balloon is generally safe, but certain conditions exclude it. If any of these apply, we recommend bariatric surgery or another approach.
🔥 Severe GERD or reflux
The balloon can worsen reflux symptoms — gastric bypass is the better option.
🩺 Chronic gastritis or peptic ulcer
Active ulcers or gastritis must be treated and healed before any intragastric device.
🔄 Hiatal hernia (large)
Hernias greater than 5 cm increase reflux risk and balloon migration risk.
🤰 Pregnancy or planning pregnancy
Not recommended during pregnancy or if planning to conceive within 12 months.
⚕️ Previous bariatric surgery
If you've had sleeve, bypass, or banding, the balloon is not suitable — revision surgery may be needed instead.
💊 Coagulopathy or chronic NSAID use
Bleeding disorders or daily NSAID use increase complication risk.
Balloon vs Bariatric Surgery
Why most ALO patients ultimately choose surgery
The balloon works — but for patients with BMI 30+, bariatric surgery (sleeve, bypass) delivers 3–5× more weight loss and durable long-term results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gastric balloon — what you need to know
Is the gastric balloon worth it compared to surgery?
For BMI 27–32 patients who reject surgery, yes. For BMI 35+, bariatric surgery delivers 3–5× more weight loss and lasts 10+ years versus 6–12 months for the balloon. About 30% of balloon patients regain the weight within 1 year of removal.
How much does the Spatz balloon cost in Tijuana?
$3,000 USD for placement and $1,500 USD for removal at our Tijuana clinic — $4,500 USD total. Includes endoscopy, sedation, the Spatz3 balloon device, post-procedure care, and nutritional consultation.
Why Spatz instead of Orbera or Allurion?
Spatz is the only adjustable intragastric balloon. Your doctor can increase the saline volume mid-treatment if weight loss plateaus, or decrease it if you have intolerance — a level of customization Orbera and Allurion don't offer.
What side effects should I expect?
The first 3–5 days bring nausea, cramping, and sometimes vomiting — your body is adapting. We prescribe anti-nausea medication. After the initial period most patients tolerate the balloon well for 6–12 months.
Can I keep the weight off after removal?
Only with disciplined lifestyle change. Without behavior change, ~30% of patients regain most of the lost weight within 12 months of removal. We provide a 6-month maintenance plan with nutrition support to maximize durability.
Who is the gastric balloon NOT for?
Patients with severe GERD, hiatal hernia >5 cm, active gastritis or ulcers, previous bariatric surgery, pregnancy, or chronic NSAID use should NOT get the balloon. We evaluate every patient before recommending — see our contraindications list above.