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.(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.
How much weight can be lost with Allurion?
After approximately 16 weeks of the Allurion Program, multiple clinical studies have demonstrated that patients lose on average 10–15% of their total body weight. If you still want to lose more weight, a second Balloon can be placed after completing the first program.
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.
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.
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.
Will I put the weight back on?
Up to 95% of weight-loss may be sustained 12 months after the Balloon exits the body!
Does a doctor need to remove the Balloon?
No. After approximately 16 weeks, the Balloon deflates and passes naturally. In very rare cases, an intervention might be required.
Is the Allurion Program better than dieting alone?
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.(superscript 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.
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.
