Question 1

What is the Allurion balloon?

Accepted Answer

Allurion (formerly known as Elipse) is an intragastric balloon that’s swallowed and then filled with a saline solution so it takes up space in your stomach, creating a feeling of fullness and accelerating weight loss.

It's the first gastric balloon that doesn't require an endoscopy procedure to place it. Allurion also deflates on its own after four months, so you don’t have to return for a removal procedure.

Good candidates for this particular balloon weight loss program are over the age of 18 with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 27. It's a good option for those that are looking for a weight loss procedure that's less invasive than bariatric surgery.

Question 2

Is the Allurion balloon FDA-approved?

Accepted Answer

The Allurion gastric balloon isn’t yet cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for sale or use in the United States.

It is currently available in over 40 countries, most commonly in Europe.

Question 3

What are the pros and cons of the Allurion balloon?

Accepted Answer

Pros

Since this is a swallowable gastric balloon, you don’t need surgery, an endoscope, or sedation during the placement procedure.
Allurion has a significantly higher Worth It Rating than any other gastric balloon, including Obalon, the only FDA-approved swallowable balloon available in the U.S.
It also has a better safety record than other gastric balloons, including the Orbera or ReShape balloons. The FDA issued two safety alerts for healthcare providers for Orbera and ReShape starting in 2016, and the ReShape balloon has since been discontinued. In contrast, studies show that Allurion (formerly Elipse) is safe, effective, and well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported.
Studies also show an average weight loss of 28 pounds (12.7 kg) and an average BMI reduction of 4.2 points, with reduced comorbidities related to obesity.
Gastric balloons like Allurion are a minimally invasive option for people who don’t want (or don't qualify for) weight-loss surgery.

Cons

The first week or two after implantation can be uncomfortable. Some people experience cramping, nausea, heartburn, and vomiting.
In rare cases, the Allurion balloon may need to be removed surgically or endoscopically, or it may be vomited up instead of passed through the digestive system.
The Allurion balloon is not yet FDA-approved or cleared for use in the U.S.

Question 4

How much does the Allurion balloon cost?

Accepted Answer

The average cost of the Allurion balloon is $4,800. The price you pay will depend on a variety of factors, but will be most affected by your healthcare provider's level of experience and their practice location.

Health insurance doesn’t typically cover intragastric balloon procedures because they’re considered an elective cosmetic procedure, and because their weight loss results can be duplicated without a balloon.

You can finance your treatment with CareCredit.

Question 5

How does Allurion balloon implantation work?

Accepted Answer

The placement process takes about 20 minutes, and you won’t need to be sedated.

First, you’ll swallow a capsule that contains a deflated balloon attached to a thin tube.

Then, you’ll be x-rayed to make sure the capsule is in the right position before your doctor fills the balloon with the saline solution via the tube.

Then there’s a second x-ray to confirm balloon placement.

Finally, your doctor removes the tube, and you’re free to go home.

Question 6

What should you expect after Allurion balloon implantation?

Accepted Answer

Six hours post-procedure, you can start having small sips of liquid. You’ll stay on a liquid diet for the first three days before you can start eating soft foods. Slowly sip water after each meal to rinse the balloon and help prevent burps caused by food sticking to the device.

Avoid unnecessary physical activity the first week, then gradually increase as you become acclimated to the balloon.

Ten days after the insertion procedure, you should be able to start eating regular food. Your doctor and nutritionist will guide you through recommendations for dieting with healthy meals and supplements, in case you’re not getting enough vitamins and minerals.

This can be managed through the Allurion app, which acts as a hub for your weight loss plan, tracking and sharing your progress with linked health care professionals.

After approximately 16 weeks (4 months), the balloon’s time-activated release valve will open, allowing it to empty and pass naturally through your digestive system, meaning there's no need for endoscopic removal.

For two more months, you’ll continue to have support from a nutritionist and follow a behavioral modification program with a diet and exercise plan. Your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment six months later (one year after the original placement).

Question 7

How much weight can you lose?

Accepted Answer

An Italian study from 2017 says that participants in a clinical trial undergoing the Allurion program (known at the time as Elipse) lost about 28 pounds (12.7 kg), and their BMIs went down an average of 4.2 points.

Even more impressively, comorbidities related to obesity were all significantly reduced: blood pressure, triglycerides, and blood glucose all registered in the normal range.

Many patients see their weight loss with Allurion slow around the 12-week mark, when the balloon is excreted.

Those who underwent this procedure also report that their adjustment to smaller food portions continued long after the balloon passed through their gastrointestinal tract.

To keep the weight off, it's vital to stick to a healthy diet and regular exercise.

ALLURION BALLOON

Colleen Williams

Colleen Williams

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Colleen Williams

Colleen Williams

ALLURION BALLOON QUESTIONS

Will I need to return for regular follow-up appointments after having an Allurion balloon?

What are the potential risks with the Allurion Balloon?

Would much weight could I reasonably lose with Allurion?

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