FAQ
The Allurion balloon is one of the most effective, safest, and most common bariatric therapies. It is also the world’s first and only swallowable intragastric balloon (IGB). The procedure is extremely simple as it is both non-surgical and non-invasive and requires no anaesthesia or endoscopy, making it ideal for patients who do not wish to undergo invasive surgeries or endoscopic procedures for weight loss. The procedure takes only 15-20 minutes and has almost zero downtime, making the Alurion balloon one of the most convenient options for patients with busy lifestyles.
“The Allurion balloon has helped people around the world collectively shed over a million kilograms of weight.”
The average weight loss that you can hope to achieve during the first 16 weeks of the program averages around 10-15% of your total body weight. According to studies, this translates to a loss of 26% of excess body weight and an average loss of 4.2 kg/m2 in BMI.
Additionally, a second balloon can be placed upon the completion of the first program to enhance the results.
By following the 12-month Allurion balloon weight loss program offered by Healthy Weight Australia, you can expect to lose an additional 10-30 kg over time.
Studies have shown that of the results achieved in combination with the Allurion balloon and the lifestyle change program, up to 95% of weight loss can be maintained for almost 12 months after the balloon exits the body.
The Allurion balloon is made up of a thin film of flexible polymer known as polyurethane. This material makes the Allurion balloon 85% lighter than silicone intragastric balloons, which results in a significantly more comfortable experience for the patient. The deflated balloon comes encased within a vegan capsule with a thin catheter attached to it.
“The placement of the Allurion balloon within the stomach is an easy and quick procedure. It is non-surgical, non-invasive, and does not require anaesthesia or endoscopy. “
The capsule that encloses the balloon is swallowed by the patient under the guidance of a physician. Most patients find this extremely easy and only require some water to aid them. Patients who find it hard to swallow the capsule are helped with a stylet that is inserted into the catheter and used to gently guide the capsule past the back of the patient’s throat. After the patient has swallowed the capsule, the physician confirms its correct placement within the stomach using an x-ray. The balloon is then filled via the attached catheter with 550 ml of distilled water, which also includes a food preservative. Upon complete inflation, the catheter is detached and pulled out, allowing the self-sealing valve on the balloon to seal itself. A second x-ray is taken to re-confirm the correct placement of the balloon.
“As a space-occupying procedure, the Allurion balloon produces results by restricting the gastric volume inside the stomach.”
The fully inflated Allurion balloon is roughly the size of a medium-sized grapefruit, approximately 60% of the volume of the stomach. As a result, it significantly limits the amount of food that the patient can eat in one sitting. Furthermore, the balloon delays gastric emptying and also helps to create a constant feeling of satiety or fullness in the stomach, reducing patients’ hunger and cravings. Weight loss is achieved by the reduced consumption of food caused by these two factors. The program is also helpful in building healthy dietary patterns that can be continued even after the balloon has been extracted.
The Allurion balloon lasts for approximately 16 weeks inside the stomach. Most of the results in weight loss are achieved during this period. The patient also has enough time to adjust to new eating habits that they build up during this time.
“The Allurion balloon does not require endoscopic or surgical removal.”
The food preservative that is added to the distilled water within the balloon slowly degrades the valve of the balloon. After approximately 16 weeks, the valve is fully degraded and the balloon deflates, emptying its contents (distilled water) into the stomach. The remaining polymer film does not require manual extraction as it is excreted naturally from the body. Most patients don’t even notice the passing of the balloon.
Complications are extremely rare, but if present, may require endoscopic or surgical removal.
No, there is no downtime associated with the Allurion balloon. Patients can leave immediately after the procedure. They can resume regular activities within 2 to 3 days.
After the balloon is placed within the stomach, most people get accustomed to this new sensation quickly.
It is common to experience nausea and vomiting during the first few days after the placement, but it can be easily managed with medication prescribed by your physician.
There are no dietary restrictions with the Allurion balloon program. However, our complete care program includes professional assistance with healthy dietary routines that will help amplify your achievements in weight loss. Even after the Allurion balloon passes out, your new dietary patterns can be maintained with ease which will maintain your results over a long period of time.
“You will also receive an Allurion Connected Scale, an Allurion Health Tracker, and an Allurion Mobile App to monitor your results.”
These wireless devices allow the patient’s care team to remotely monitor the patient’s progress.
The Allurion balloon is one of the safest bariatric therapies available for combating morbid obesity. According to studies, less than 2% of patients experience adverse events.
The most common adverse side effects are intolerance and premature deflation.
Yes. It has been studied that the Allurion balloon program helps reduce the risk of many comorbidities associated with morbid obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hypertension, cardiac disease, and even cancer.
You can follow this link for more information about the Allurion balloon, or to schedule an appointment with HWA.
