FAQ
What sets the Allurion Balloon apart from other gastric balloons?
Allurion, the world's first and only gastric balloon applied without endoscopy.
This innovative balloon is swallowed as a capsule during a quick 15-minute procedure, allowing patients to experience minimal downtime and return to work promptly.
Unlike longer 6-month endoscopic balloons, the Allurion Balloon is designed to naturally pass in approximately 16 weeks, optimizing weight loss while minimizing its time in the body. Around 80% of weight loss is typically achieved within the first 3 months, making it a more effective option.
*Gaur S, et al. Gastrointestinal endoscopy, 2015 81:1330-1336
Safety is a top priority with the Allurion Balloon, as it boasts fewer side effects compared to 12-month endoscopic balloons. The intolerance rate is significantly lower (1-3% vs. 14.4%)2,3, and its overall serious adverse event rate is 10 times lower than other liquid-filled balloons.4-10
* Ienca R, et al. Obes Surg. 2020;30(9):3354-3362.
**Jamal, M. H., et al (2021) Obes Surg. 2021;1-6.
Crafted from vegan polyurethane, a thinner and more flexible material than silicone used in endoscopic balloons, the Allurion Balloon adapts to stomach movements, ensuring a comfortable and snug fit.
In rare cases, endoscopic or surgical intervention may be required to remove the Allurion Balloon.
What happens after the balloon has passed?
After the Allurion Balloon naturally passes, the support and guidance from your healthcare team under the Allurion Programme continue for an additional month. Upon completing the Allurion Programme, it is crucial to maintain your healthy lifestyle habits. According to one clinical study, 96% of the average weight loss achieved with the Allurion Balloon was sustained at the 1-year follow-up.
* Ienca R. et al. Presented at the EASO Congress, 2022.
How is the balloon removed?
After approximately 16 weeks inside the stomach, a time-activated release valve will open, causing the Allurion Balloon to deflate and pass naturally through the gastrointestinal tract without the need for a removal procedure.*
*In rare cases, the Allurion Balloon may necessitate endoscopic or surgical intervention for removal.
Is the Allurion Program better than dieting alone?
Absolutely! The Allurion Program, which includes our revolutionary swallowable gastric balloon and a comprehensive lifestyle change program, results in nearly 2.5 times more weight loss compared to a lifestyle change program alone, as evidenced by an independent study.¹
*16. Week results. Raftopoulos, I et al. Presented at ASMBS, 2019
In another study, it was observed that three-quarters of participants who attempted weight loss through methods such as calorie-controlled or restricted diets (72% of participants), exercise programs or courses (22%), and pharmaceutical treatments (12%) did not achieve a clinically significant weight loss defined as at least 5% of their body weight.² This demonstrates that these isolated approaches alone may not be sufficient.
The 6-month Allurion Program combines medical support and a weight-loss device (Allurion Gastric Balloon) with digital tools (Allurion Connected Scale, and Allurion App) and nutritional coaching to jump-start your weight loss journey and instill lifelong healthy habits for maintaining the weight loss.
*Three-quarters of adults with obesity have tried to lose weight in the past year, but most have failed (ampproject.org)
Does a doctor need to remove the Balloon?
After approximately 16 weeks, the Balloon naturally deflates and passes through the body. In extremely rare cases, an intervention may be necessary.
Will I put the weight back on?
Up to 96% of weight loss can be maintained 12 months after the Balloon naturally exits the body!
How is the Balloon placed?
The placement procedure occurs during a brief outpatient visit, taking less than 20 minutes. Allurion stands out as the first gastric balloon that does not necessitate endoscopy* or anesthesia for either placement or removal. The process is simple: you swallow a capsule containing the deflated Balloon with the help of a catheter. Once an x-ray confirms the Balloon is in your stomach, it is filled with water through the catheter. A second x-ray is performed to ensure the Balloon is adequately filled.
Can I return to normal activities after placement?
After the less than 20-minute placement, you can continue with your life; however, you may have some symptoms for a few days such as nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps. Your healthcare professional will advise you on care and nutrition after placement and the best plan to resume your activities, such as gym and exercise.
Will it be obvious to others that I have the Allurion Balloon in my stomach?
No. The Allurion Programme is a discrete experience. Unless you tell people, no one will know you have had the Balloon placed.
How much weight can be lost with Allurion?
After approximately 16 weeks of the Allurion Program, numerous clinical studies have shown that patients experience an average weight loss of 10–15% of their total body weight. If you desire to continue losing weight, a second Balloon can be placed after completing the initial program.
* Ienca R. et al. Presented at the EASO Congress, 2022.
What is a gastric balloon?
A gastric balloon is a weight loss solution that involves placing a soft, inflatable balloon in the stomach to reduce its capacity and help you feel fuller faster and stay fuller for longer. It is considered safe and a less invasive alternative to weight loss surgery. The balloon stays in the stomach for a period of time, usually several months, during which it helps you to eat smaller portions, consume fewer calories, and achieve significant weight loss. After this residence period, the balloon deflates and is removed either through endoscopy, or in the case of the Allurion Balloon, passes out of the body naturally.
*In rare cases, endoscopic or surgical intervention may be required to remove the Allurion Balloon.