Swallowable Gastric Balloon

Who is it for?

A swallowable balloon may be right for you if one of the following applies:

• Your body mass index (BMI) is 27 to 30 or above, and diet alone has not worked.
• You prefer to avoid an endoscopy, sedation, or surgery.
• You want a shorter treatment, with the balloon staying only about four months, or you need to lose some weight before an operation.

It is not suitable after previous stomach surgery, with a large hiatal hernia or an active stomach ulcer, or during pregnancy. We check this at your consultation.

How is it performed?

• The whole procedure takes about 20 minutes in the clinic, and you stay awake.
• You swallow a capsule attached to a very thin tube, with a glass of water.
• A quick X-ray confirms that the capsule is in your stomach.
• The balloon is filled with about 550 mL of fluid through the thin tube. The tube is then gently pulled out.
• You go home the same day.
• After about 16 weeks (four months), a small valve in the balloon opens by itself. The balloon empties and passes out naturally with your stool. In rare cases, it needs to be removed by endoscopy.

The Allurion weight-loss program

The balloon is one part of the Allurion program:

• Medical care: Our doctor places the balloon and follows your progress throughout the program.
• Nutrition support: Our nutritionist helps you build balanced eating habits and keep your muscle while you lose fat.
• Connected tools: On the day of placement, you receive a connected scale that measures your weight and body composition, and the Allurion app, where you track your progress and message our team. Some packages also include a health tracker for steps, exercise, and sleep.
• Program length: About 16 weeks with the balloon, followed by a diet program for at least the same length of time, so the habits you build stay with you.

Before the procedure

• A consultation, blood tests, and a session with our dietitian.
• No food for 8 hours before the procedure.
• Medicines to control nausea and stomach acid in the first days.

Recovery and follow-up

• The first 2 to 3 days can be uncomfortable, with nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps. The medicines we give you usually control them well.
• You start with fluids for the first couple of days, then move gradually to soft food and normal meals in small portions. Within two weeks at most, you are back on a regular diet.
• Regular visits with our dietitian throughout the program, in the clinic or by video, help you build habits that last after the balloon has gone.
• Before the balloon empties, we plan together how to keep your results.

What results can I expect?

Most patients lose about 10 to 15 kg over the 16 weeks that the balloon stays in place. Much of this weight comes off in the first weeks, so the habits you build early make a big difference. Keeping the weight off afterwards depends on continuing those habits. Without a healthy diet after the balloon has passed, about 70–80% of patients regain the weight.

Who May Benefit from a Swallowable Gastric Balloon?

1. BMI of 27 to 30 and above
2. Patients who want to avoid endoscopy and sedation
3. Patients looking for a short, structured programme
4. Patients not yet ready for surgery
5. Weight reduction before another operation
6. Patients able to attend regular nutrition follow-up

What are the side effects and risks?

The swallowable balloon is generally safe, but side effects and risks include:

• Nausea, vomiting, and cramps in the first days (common).
• Heartburn (reflux).
• The balloon emptying early.
• Rarely, the balloon blocking the intestine and needing removal by endoscopy or surgery.
• A stomach ulcer, which is why we may prescribe acid-lowering medicine.

Why Choose Our Swallowable Gastric Balloon Program?

• No endoscopy or sedation for placement
• Outpatient visit of about 20 minutes
• Medical review of suitability before treatment
• Dietitian-led follow-up for the whole programme
• A clear plan for maintaining results afterwards