Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Most of those on the Allurion Programme achieve their weight loss goals with the Allurion Programme alone, but yes, for some there may be an option to combine other therapies, like weight-loss drugs, into their approach. Research has shown promising weight loss results when therapies are combined. In a recent study, 92% of patients achieved their goals on the Programme alone. For those who went on to combine the Allurion Programme with Saxenda^® (liraglutide), they achieved an average total body weight loss of nearly 19% after approximately 4 months of combined treatment, with no serious adverse events reported.¹ In another recent study, patients following the Allurion Programme with oral semaglutide achieved an average weight loss of over 18% after this combined treatment.² 

Taken together, the findings from these two studies highlight the safety and effectiveness of this combination therapy, demonstrating its potential to enhance weight loss outcomes and durability for some people within the Allurion Programme. 

1. Ienca R, Ayuso L, Shahin M. Swallowable intragastric balloon program and GLP1 agonist combined treatment for obesity: an international multicenter study. Presented at ECO 2023.

2. Bhandari M, Mathur W, Kosta S, Reddy M. Combination therapy of GLP-1 analogues with swallowable balloon for treatment of obesity. Presented at IFSO 2023.

We understand that swallowing the balloon or the gag reflex can be a source of anxiety for certain people.

However, 99.99% of patients are able to swallow the capsule. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule on your own, your doctor can assist you and gently guide the capsule down by stiffening the catheter. This helps avoid the gag reflex and support quick placement of the capsule inside the stomach.

The Allurion Balloon is the world’s first and only gastric balloon without the need for surgery, endoscopy* or anaesthesia for balloon placement and removal. The balloon is swallowed as a capsule during a 15-minute placement which means less downtime or time off work for our patients.
Designed to pass naturally at approximately 16 weeks, the Allurion Balloon maximizes weight loss while minimizing time spent in the body, making it a more effective option than longer 6-month endoscopic balloons, where 80% of weight loss is achieved within the first 3 months.¹

The Allurion Balloon is a safer option, with fewer side effects. It has a significantly lower intolerance rate compared to 12-month endoscopic balloons (1-3% vs 14.4%)^2,3, with an overall serious adverse event rate that is 10 times lower than other liquid-filled balloons.^4-10

Made from vegan polyurethane, a material that’s much thinner and more flexible than the silicone material in endoscopic balloons, the Allurion Balloon flexes and adapts as your stomach moves, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit.

References:

1. Gaur et al. 2015, GI Endoscopy
2. Jamal MH et al., [published online ahead of print, 2021 Sep 30]. Obes Surg. 2021;1-6.
3. Ienca R, Al Jarallah M, Caballero A, et al. The Procedureless Elipse Gastric Balloon Program: Multicenter Experience in 1770 Consecutive Patients. Obes Surg. 2020;30(9):3354-3362

After the Allurion Balloon passes, the Allurion Programme and the related support from your healthcare team continues for one month. At the end of the Allurion Programme, you should continue your healthy lifestyle habits. One clinical study showed that 95% of the average weight loss with the Allurion Balloon was sustained at 1-year follow-up.

After approximately 16 weeks inside your stomach, a time-activated release valve will open, allowing the balloon to empty and pass naturally through the gastrointestinal tract without the need for a removal procedure.*

*In rare cases, the Allurion Balloon may require endoscopic or surgical intervention for removal.

Yes! The Allurion Program, a combination of our unique swallowable gastric balloon and a supported lifestyle change program, leads to nearly 2.5 times the weight loss than a lifestyle change program alone, according to an independent study.¹

In another study, three-quarters of participants who attempted to lose weight over a year through calorie-controlled or restricted diets (72% of participants), exercise programs or courses (22%), and pharmaceutical treatments (12%), did not achieve a clinically meaningful weight loss defined as at least 5% of their body weight.(superscript 2) The evidence shows that these isolated methods alone are not enough.

The 6-month Allurion Program combines medical support and a weight-loss device (Allurion Gastric Balloon), digital tools (Allurion Connected Scale, Allurion Health Tracker and Allurion App) and nutritional coaching to kick-start your weight loss and help you form lifelong healthy habits to maintain the weight loss.
 
References
 
Results at 16 weeks. Raftopoulos, I et al Holyoke Medical Center. Holyoke, MA​ An Intensive 52 Week Nutritional, Exercise and Behavior Modification Program: Comparing With or ​Without the Allurion IGB Presented at ASMBS 2019
Three-quarters of adults with obesity have attempted to lose weight in the past year, but most have been unsuccessful (ampproject.org)

No. After approximately 16 weeks, the Balloon deflates and passes naturally. In very rare cases, an intervention might be required.

Up to 96% of weight-loss may be sustained 12 months after the Balloon exits the body!

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.

No. The Allurion Programme is a discrete experience. Unless you tell people, no one will know you have had the Balloon placed.