What you’ll learn:
- The Allurion gastric balloon is a temporary, swallowable device that stays in the stomach for about 16 weeks and then passes naturally
- Studies have shown that it can lead to an average weight loss of around 14% of total body weight.
- The balloon works mechanically by taking up space in the stomach, and long-term results depend on the habits you build while it’s in place.
The world of weight loss interventions has shifted quickly over the past few years, with the approval of GLP-1 medications like Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Zepbound® (tirzepatide). These once-weekly injectable medications have opened new doors, offering powerful appetite regulation and meaningful weight loss for many people. Wegovy® was also recently approved as a pill, which has expanded its reach even more. The active ingredients in Wegovy® and Zepbound,® semaglutide and tirzepatide, can reach an average of 15% to 21% weight loss over time.
Before that, weight loss medication rarely reached those levels and certainly wasn’t anywhere near the average found with bariatric surgery. While these medications are at the forefront of weight loss medications, there are other options being created.
Just recently, the Allurion Balloon, a swallowable gastric balloon, was approved by the FDA. This device is already used in more than 50 countries, including Canada, Mexico, and across Europe.
So what is it? This type of gastric balloon is a swallowable medical device designed to take up space in the stomach. The goal is to help people feel full sooner and eat less while they learn new habits that support long-term weight loss. It promises something that sits between medication and surgery: a time-limited, non-surgical intervention designed to help people lose weight while building habits that last beyond the treatment itself.
While that sounds exciting, what does it actually mean to get this gastric balloon inserted, and what happens after? And how does it compare to the tools you may already be considering?
Let’s break down the Allurion gastric balloon for what it is, how it works, who it’s for, and how it compares with GLP-1 medications and bariatric surgery.
What is the Allurion gastric balloon?
The Allurion balloon is a procedureless option for weight management. Unlike oral medications, injectable GLP-1s, or surgery, it’s a short-term, device-based intervention performed in a doctor’s office.
The process involves swallowing a capsule that contains a deflated gastric balloon. Once in the stomach, the balloon is filled with fluid and remains there for about 16 weeks. The entire process is done in a doctor’s office.
The balloon works by taking up space in the stomach, which promotes earlier fullness and reduced portion sizes. It also slows digestion, which can make you feel fuller between meals.
Unlike surgical procedures that permanently alter the digestive system, the balloon is temporary and passes naturally after it deflates.
How much weight can you lose with the Allurion gastric balloon
Studies show that the Allurion gastric balloon is very effective:
In a large study of 1,770 people, those who used the Allurion balloon lost an average of about 14% of their total body weight over roughly four months. A second study found similar results, with average weight loss again hovering around 14%.
To put that in perspective, that’s often well above the 5 to 10% weight loss typically considered “clinically meaningful.”
Plus, many maintained a good portion of it. Follow-up data suggest that, on average, people maintained about 95% of their weight loss one year later—especially when lifestyle changes were reinforced during the balloon period.
As with any weight-loss intervention, these results can vary from person to person. The balloon creates a physical shift in appetite and portion control—but lasting results depend on the behavioral changes built alongside it.
How does the Allurion balloon get into your body?
Here’s how the process works:
- The insertion: You swallow a small capsule attached to a thin catheter at a doctor’s office. Once in the stomach, a clinician fills the balloon with liquid. An X-ray confirms it’s perfectly placed, and the catheter is removed. There’s no need for anesthesia or an endoscopic procedure as with other gastric balloons.
- Immediately after: People are told to follow a liquid diet for the first few days after the procedure and gradually transition to solid foods over the next few weeks.
- The 16 weeks: Over the course of about four months, the balloon stays inside the stomach. Because the balloon takes up space, it slows gastric emptying and makes you feel fuller, which helps you eat smaller portions. People often lose an average of 14% of their body weight. The balloon is meant to be paired with lifestyle changes that support weight loss and long-term behavior change.
- The exit: After about 16 weeks, a valve opens, the balloon deflates, and it passes naturally through the digestive system.
- After the balloon passes: This is where habits come into play. It is important to follow a healthy diet and exercise routine to achieve long-term weight loss results.
The Allurion’s gastric balloon vs. other weight loss options
When comparing weight-loss options, it’s helpful to think beyond just the number on the scale and consider how each approach fits into your daily life. Every option comes with its own level of commitment, timeline, and type of support.
The Allurion Balloon differs from medications and surgery in a few key ways.
The Allurion balloon vs. GLP-1 medications
GLP-1 medications work by mimicking the hormone GLP-1 to reduce appetite, slow digestion, and regulate blood sugar. The Allurion Balloon works mechanically. It takes up space in the stomach for a 4-month period, helping you feel full sooner while you practice new eating patterns. Medications may reduce appetite more systemically, while the balloon changes the physical environment of the stomach.
Weight loss potential: GLP-1 effectiveness can vary, but Wegovy® and Zepbound® can result in an average 15 to 21% weight loss in about 2 years.
The Allurion balloon vs. other gastric balloons
Traditional gastric balloons have been used for years, but most require endoscopy for placement and a second endoscopic procedure for removal. That means sedation and two separate interventions.
Weight loss potential: Typical balloons that are inserted under an endoscopy procedure usually result in about 15% total body weight loss.
The Allurion balloon vs. bariatric surgery
Compared to bariatric surgery, the difference is even more significant. Surgery permanently changes the anatomy of the digestive system and typically leads to larger average weight loss. It also involves general anesthesia, recovery time, and long-term medical follow-up.
Weight loss potential: Compared to the Allurion balloon, bariatric surgery generally leads to more substantial weight loss. But again, surgery permanently changes the anatomy of the digestive system, which alters how much food you can eat and, in some cases, how nutrients are absorbed. Because of this, weight loss tends to be greater than with temporary, non-surgical options.
Across procedures, long-term research shows that bariatric surgery results in an average of about 50 to 60% loss of excess weight. In total body weight terms, that typically translates to roughly 25 to 30% of starting body weight, though outcomes vary depending on the procedure and the individual.
It’s also important to remember that these results are measured over different timeframes. The Allurion balloon’s average reflects about four months, while GLP-1 medications are generally studied over longer periods—often around 68 to 72 weeks (a little over a year)—and surgery outcomes are typically evaluated at one year or more.
Here’s a simplified side-by-side look at how these options compare.
| Treatment type | Weight loss potential (avg.) | Delivery | Surgery needed? | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allurion Balloon | 14% | Swallowed capsule in doctor’s office | No | 16 weeks |
| Traditional gastric balloon (endoscopic) | 10–15% | Placed via endoscopy under sedation | Endoscopic (in-office procedure with sedation) | 6 months |
| GLP-1 medications (Wegovy® & Zepbound®) | 15–21% | Injectable(weekly) or pill (daily) | No | 6 to 24 months |
| Bariatric surgery | 25–30% | Operating room procedure | Yes (general anesthesia) | Permanent |
Do people keep the weight off after the Allurion balloon
After approximately 16 weeks, the balloon deflates and passes naturally. And for many people, that moment brings up the most important question: What happens next?
Research offers encouraging data. In one study, most people maintained about 95% of their weight loss one year after the balloon had passed. And 73% of people reported a positive change in eating habits even 3 years after, which shows the balloon led to sustainable changes.
Allurion balloon: Side effects and safety
According to the manufacturer, most people tolerate the swallowable gastric balloon well. Still, like any weight-loss intervention, it comes with potential side effects—and it helps to know what’s expected and what’s not.
What’s normal in the first few days?
Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and bloating are common during the first several days after placement. That’s because your stomach is adjusting to having the balloon inside it. For most people, these symptoms are temporary and improve within the first week.
In rare cases, the balloon can cause a blockage that prevents food and liquids from moving normally into the intestine. Warning signs include ongoing or severe vomiting, nausea that doesn’t improve, worsening abdominal pain or visible swelling, or an inability to pass gas or stool. These symptoms are not typical adjustment effects and require urgent medical evaluation.
Serious complications are uncommon, but understanding the difference between expected early discomfort and concerning symptoms is important.
Who can get an Allurion gastric balloon?
In general, people who can be considered for the balloon include:
- People 16 and above, though it’s recommended for those between 22 and 65
- People with a BMI of 27 and above
- People who have tried other weight-loss approaches without sustained success
Who can’t get a gastric balloon?
A gastric balloon isn’t the right fit for everyone. The Allurion balloon isn’t for people with certain gastrointestinal conditions, a history of bariatric or esophageal surgery, those who are pregnant, or anyone who has been advised not to have devices pass through their digestive tract.
In other words, your medical history matters. Like most weight-loss treatments, eligibility depends on your overall health, prior procedures, and any underlying digestive issues. A proper medical evaluation is needed to determine whether it’s a safe option.
Allurion balloon: Cost and access
Pricing for the Allurion balloon varies by clinic and country, but most programs in the U.S. fall in the $4,000 to $7,000 range, based on estimates compiled and pricing shared by international providers. That typically includes the balloon, placement, and follow-up visits during the roughly four-month treatment period. Insurance usually doesn’t cover it, and Allurion notes on its official site that pricing varies by provider and location.
FAQs: Other questions about the Allurion balloon
How much does an Allurion balloon cost?
The cost of the Allurion Balloon varies depending on the clinic, region, and what’s included in the program, but estimates suggest between $4,000 to $7,000.
How does the balloon leave your body?
After about 16 weeks, the balloon degrades and deflates, and you pass it naturally through your digestive system. That means you don’t need to go back to the doctor for your balloon to be removed.
Once the balloon has passed, maintaining results depends on the habits you continue. Following a balanced eating pattern, staying physically active, and maintaining consistent routines are key to sustaining weight loss over time.
Is the Allurion balloon available in the United States?
Yes. The Allurion Balloon has received FDA clearance and is available through participating healthcare providers in the United States. Availability may vary by region and clinic, so checking with local weight-management specialists or your healthcare provider can help you find options near you.
Does the Allurion balloon work?
Research suggests that the Allurion Balloon helps people lose an average of 15% of body weight in 4 months. Many people experienced meaningful weight loss while the balloon was in place, and some maintained much of that loss at follow-up. How well it works for you will depend on your starting BMI and the habits you build during and maintain after the program.
How much weight can you lose with an Allurion balloon?
On average, people lost about 14% of their total body weight during the 16-week balloon period. Individual results vary based on factors like starting weight, lifestyle habits, health conditions, and engagement with the accompanying program.
What are the downsides of the Allurion balloon?
Like any medical intervention, the Allurion Balloon comes with pros and cons. Some potential drawbacks include:
- Adjustment symptoms: Many people experience nausea, cramping, or discomfort in the first few days as the body adjusts. And more serious obstructions can occur, but are rare.
- Temporary nature: The balloon is only in place for about 16 weeks; long-term success depends on the habits you build after it passes.
- Cost and coverage: Insurance coverage is likely limited, and out-of-pocket costs vary.
- Effect size vs. surgery: Average weight loss tends to be less than what’s typically seen with bariatric surgery.
What matters most is choosing an approach that aligns with your health history, goals, and what feels sustainable for you—and pairing any option with behavior changes that support lasting progress.
The bottom line: The Allurion balloon can be an effective option for weight loss
The Allurion balloon is a short-term, non-surgical weight-loss device designed to help reduce portion sizes by taking up space in the stomach for about 16 weeks. Research shows it can lead to an average weight loss of around 14% of total body weight during that period, with some people maintaining much of that loss at follow-up. The procedure doesn’t require anesthesia or endoscopy, and the balloon passes naturally after it deflates.
Like any medical intervention, it comes with potential side effects and isn’t appropriate for everyone. Its impact is temporary, and long-term results depend largely on the habits established while the balloon is in place. Understanding how it works, what the data show, and what happens after it passes can help clarify whether it fits into a broader weight-management plan.
If you’re looking into medical weight loss options, see if you qualify for Noom Med. You’ll be connected with a clinician who can find the right option for you and prescribe it if needed.
Noom Med includes practical tools and short lessons to help you stay on top of protein and nutrition, strength-focused workouts to support muscle, and clear guidance for managing side effects.
Everything connects with Noom’s food logging and coaching, so you’re building realistic habits alongside your GLP-1 medication.
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