FAQs
Welcome to our comprehensive FAQ section, where we address your most pressing questions. This resource is designed to provide you with detailed insights and information. From understanding the basics of the procedure to exploring the unique features of the Allurion Balloon, our goal is to help you make informed decisions about your weight loss journey. Dive into our FAQs to learn more about this innovative, non-surgical option and how it might fit into your health and wellness plan.
We’re delighted to share that the NHS is considering our safe, non-surgical weight-loss solution. Presently, access to the Allurion Programme on the NHS is limited to specific patients in one trust in the UK. For individuals who wish to undergo this non-surgical weight-loss procedure, it is available as a private service at Allurion accredited clinics throughout the country. Click here for a complimentary consultation with a weight-loss advisor or here to use our Clinic Locator to find a clinic close to you.
Most of those on the Allurion Programme achieve their weight-loss goals with the Allurion Programme alone, but yes, for some there may be an option to combine other therapies, like weight-loss drugs, into their approach. Research has shown promising weight-loss results when therapies are combined. In a recent study, 92% of patients achieved their goals on the Programme alone. For those who went on to combine the Allurion Programme with Saxenda® (liraglutide), they achieved an average total body weight loss of nearly 19% after approximately 4 months of combined treatment, with no serious adverse events reported.1 In another recent study, patients following the Allurion Programme with oral semaglutide achieved an average weight loss of over 18% after this combined treatment.2
Taken together, the findings from these two studies highlight the safety and effectiveness of this combination therapy, demonstrating its potential to enhance weight-loss outcomes and durability for some people within the Allurion Programme.
2. Bhandari M, Mathur W, Kosta S, Reddy M. Combination therapy of GLP-1 analogues with swallowable balloon for treatment of obesity. Presented at IFSO 2023.
A gastric balloon offers a non-surgical solution to weight loss. By placing a soft, inflatable balloon in the stomach to reduce its capacity. This balloon limits stomach space, and helps you feel fuller faster and stay fuller for longer. Recognised for its safety, this minimally invasive method serves as an alternative to surgical weight-loss procedures. The balloon is designed to remain in the stomach for a set duration, typically a few months, aiding in portion control, reducing calorie intake, and facilitating significant weight loss. After a residence period, the balloon deflates and is removed either through endoscopy, or in the case of the Allurion Balloon, it passes out of the body naturally.
Understanding that the process of swallowing the balloon or managing a gag reflex can be anxiety-inducing for some individuals. We want to reassure you that Allurion provides a robust support system designed to address and alleviate your concerns. Your care team will support you to ensure your placement experience is comfortable and safe. We encourage you to share any anxieties or questions with us, ensuring you feel supported and confident throughout your journey.
Remarkably, 99.99% of patients successfully swallow the capsule. Should you encounter any difficulty, rest assured that your doctor can offer additional assistance. By slightly stiffening the catheter, your doctor can gently guide the capsule down, effectively mitigating the gag reflex and facilitating the swift placement of the capsule within the stomach. Our commitment is to ensure your comfort and confidence in the Allurion Programme, supported by our dedicated team every step of the way.
Learn more about our support system and how the Allurion Programme works, to feel more informed and at ease about starting your journey with us.
The Allurion Balloon is the world’s first and only gastric balloon that can be placed and removed without the need for surgery, endoscopy* , or anaesthesia. 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 through the body at approximately 4 months, the Allurion Balloon maximises weight loss while minimising time spent in the body. This makes it a more effective solution compared to traditional 6-month endoscopic balloons, which typically see 80% of weight loss occurring in the initial 3 months.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%)2,3, with an overall serious adverse event rate that is 10 times lower than other liquid-filled balloons.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
After the Allurion Balloon passes, the Allurion Programme and the related support from your healthcare team continues for minimum one month. At the end of the Allurion Programme, you should continue your healthy lifestyle habits. One clinical study showed that 96% of the average weight loss with the Allurion Balloon was sustained at 1-year follow-up.
The extended support provided post-balloon passage is designed to reinforce the nutritional and lifestyle guidance received. Offering you the tools and confidence needed to maintain a healthier, more balanced life moving forward.
After approximately 4 months 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.
Curious about the specifics of the Allurion Balloon removal? Dive into this detailed exploration on what the process involves.
Yes! The Allurion Programme, a combination of our unique swallowable gastric balloon and a supported lifestyle change programme, leads to nearly 2.5 times the weight loss than a lifestyle change programme alone, according to an independent study.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 Allurion Programme combines medical support, a weight-loss device (Allurion Gastric Balloon), digital tools (Allurion Connected Scale and Allurion App) and nutritional coaching to kick-start your weight loss and help you form lifelong healthy habits to maintain the weight loss.
References
Results at 16 weeks. Raftopoulos, I et al Holyoke Medical Center. Holyoke, MA An Intensive 52 Week Nutritional, Exercise and Behavior Modification Program: Comparing With or Without the Allurion IGB Presented at ASMBS 2019
Three-quarters of adults with obesity have attempted to lose weight in the past year, but most have been unsuccessful (ampproject.org).
No. After approximately 4 months, the Balloon deflates and passes naturally. In very rare cases, an intervention might be required.
We understand that weight regain after balloon removal is a common fear and source of anxiety. That's why the Allurion Balloon is accompanied by nutritional coaching and medical support to help you change your lifestyle and develop healthier habits that promote long-term weight loss. Once the Allurion Balloon is out of your body, the support of your follow-up team continues until the end of the Allurion Programme.
A clinical study has shown that up to 96% of weight loss can be maintained 12 months after the removal of the Allurion Balloon. Recently, a clinical survey was conducted with 133 patients three years after completing the programme. On average, patients maintained 80% of their total body weight loss, and 72% reported that their eating habits remained healthier three years after the programme.
The placement takes place during a 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.
This procedure is designed with your convenience and comfort in mind, making it as seamless and straightforward as possible from start to finish. The Allurion experience eliminates the need for invasive procedures or the discomfort of anaesthesia. With minimal disruption to your routine, you can embark on your weight-loss journey with confidence and ease.
After the less than 15-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.
To provide you with further reassurance of the procedure’s effectiveness and manageability, Allurion boasts a wealth of patient testimonials. These stories highlight individuals’ journeys with the Allurion Balloon, emphasising the manageability of initial symptoms. Many underscore the ease with which patients returned to their daily routines and the positive impact Allurion had on their weight-loss goals.
No. The Allurion Programme is a discrete experience. Unless you tell people, no one will know you have had the balloon placed.
For those curious about what sets the Allurion Balloon apart from other weight-loss solutions, more information can be found on our dedicated page. Here we delve into 4 reasons to choose the Allurion Balloon over other gastric balloons. Highlighting the unique benefits and features that make Allurion the preferred choice for discreet, effective weight management.
After approximately 4 months of the Allurion Programme, 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 programme.
The best weight management treatment is personal to you, dependent on factors like your goals, health and wellbeing and preferences, etc. There are a range of effective treatments out there, and increasingly people use multiple treatments in combination and succession. Many people find fast, significant and sustainable weight loss following the Allurion Programme, meaning for them it is an ideal first-line treatment.
For some patients, during or after the Allurion Programme, they may consider the addition of weight-loss drugs if advised by their expert clinic team. To find your best treatment option, speak with an Allurion advisor who will be able to direct you to a doctor in our partner clinics.
