Your questions answered
What are the differences between the Allurion Balloon and other gastric balloons?
The Allurion Balloon is the world’s first and only gastric balloon without the need for surgery, endoscopy* or anesthesia 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.(ref 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%) (ref 2,3), with an overall serious adverse event rate that is 10 times lower than other liquid-filled balloons.(ref 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:
- Gaur et al. 2015, GI Endoscopy
- Jamal MH et al., [published online ahead of print, 2021 Sep 30]. Obes Surg. 2021;1-6.
- 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
How is the Balloon placed?
The placement takes place during a less than 15-minute outpatient visit. Allurion is the first gastric balloon that requires no endoscopy* or anaesthesia for placement or removal. Simply swallow a capsule containing the deflated Balloon with a catheter: once the Balloon is confirmed to be in your stomach via x-ray, the Balloon is filled with water through a catheter. A second x-ray takes place to ensure the Balloon is filled correctly.
Will I put the weight back on?
Up to 95% of weight-loss may be sustained 12 months after the Balloon exits the body!
Calculate BMI
If you have a BMI of 27 or above, you may be eligible. Quickly calculate your BMI to see if the Allurion Balloon is right for you.