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 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. 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.

How is the Balloon placed?

The placement takes place during a less than 20-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.

How is the balloon removed?

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.

What happens after the balloon has passed?

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.

How Does the Gastric Balloon Work?

How does the Allurion Gastric Balloon work?

A medical device designed to assist with weight loss

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How does the Allurion Gastric Balloon help with weight loss?

Feel fuller, sooner

The Allurion Balloon sits in your stomach and takes up space, helping you feel full with smaller portions from day one.

Apports caloriques réduits avec le ballon gastrique

Backed by science

Like other intragastric balloons, it works by slowing digestion and promoting satiety so you're less likely to overeat or snack between meals⁴.

Fringales évitées avec le ballon gastrique

A programme that goes beyond the balloon

The Allurion Program works because it combines the balloon with medical care, behavioural support and smart tools. Personalised coaching on nutrition, movement and habits will help you build the skills for lifelong weight management, not just short-term loss.

How is the Allurion Gastric Balloon placed?

The Allurion Balloon is placed by a certified doctor during an outpatient consultation: no surgery, anaesthesia, or endoscopy required.⁴

99.9% of patients can swallow the capsule independently, or with support from the doctor.¹

Steps 1

You swallow a capsule containing the deflated balloon, attached to a thin tube (catheter).

Steps 2

A first X-ray is done to ensure the capsule is placed correctly in your stomach.

Steps 3

The doctor uses the catheter to fill the balloon with 550ml of liquid.

Steps 4

A second X-ray is done to ensure the balloon is filled correctly.

Steps 5

The catheter is gently removed and the placement is complete. Once your doctor ensures you are comfortable, you may head home.

How is the Allurion Gastric Balloon removed?

The Allurion Balloon is designed to pass naturally. Around four months after placement, a time-activated valve opens, allowing the balloon to deflate. The empty balloon is then passed naturally through the digestive system, with no need for a procedure or removal appointment. ¹,⁴*
*
As with any medical device, rare complications can occur. These may include balloon hyperinflation, bowel obstruction, stomach dilation, or other gastrointestinal issues, which could require medical or surgical intervention. ¹,⁴

The Allurion Balloon and Program may be offered to candidates that meet the following criteria:

Aged 18 and above
BMI 27 and above
Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
Have not had stomach or esophageal surgery

This list is not exhaustive; the full list of contraindications is available in the device's instructions for use, which is provided to doctors⁴. Your doctor will examine you and thoroughly review your medical history to confirm your eligibility.

Allurion is more than just a balloon

Medical Support

Receive expert care and support from your clinic team throughout your journey.

Nutrition coaching

Work 1 on 1 with a coach to build healthier habits and make sustainable food and lifestyle choices.

Digital tools powered by AI

Track your progress and stay connected to your care team with tools like the Allurion Connected Scale and Allurion App.

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We recommend checking if you're eligible before contacting a clinic

Important information to consider before the placement of an Allurion Gastric Balloon

The Allurion Balloon is a regulated health product that bears the CE marking in accordance with this regulation. To learn more about the Allurion Balloon, assess the risks and benefits of this solution, read the important safety information, and discuss it with your doctor. Learn more
The Allurion Gastric Balloon is part of a behaviour modification programme that lasts for a minimum of 6 months, to which you must be fully committed. This device is designed to promote weight loss, but only by committing to changing your eating habits and increasing your physical activity will you be able to achieve and maintain a healthy weight in the long term.
It is important to note that the Allurion Gastric Balloon may cause adverse events, some of which may require removal by endoscopy. Rare cases of spontaneous hyperinflation, small intestine obstruction, stomach dilation, oesophagitis, pancreatitis, or stomach perforation have been reported, requiring surgical intervention.1,4 Please consult the full list of potential complications available on the page Important Safety Information.
The Allurion Gastric Balloon is not suitable for all patients. Pregnant individuals or those with a history of oesophageal or stomach surgery, among others, are not eligible for the procedure. The complete list of contraindications can be found in the device's instructions for use provided to doctors. Your doctor will review your medical history and conduct a physical examination to confirm your eligibility for the Allurion Programme.
It is crucial that each doctor and patient carefully assess the risks and benefits of the treatment before using the Allurion device. To learn more about the Allurion Balloon, its effectiveness, and its tolerability, discuss it with your doctor.
You must be available for follow-up with your doctor throughout the treatment period, especially if you experience the following symptoms, including but not limited to: persistent nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and/or abdominal pain. If you consult other healthcare professionals, inform them that an intragastric balloon is present. We encourage you to stay close to modern emergency care facilities during the time the balloon is in place, in case serious complications arise.