Bariatric surgery (sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass) offers effective long-term results; however, not every patient is ready or eligible for surgery. The approach that fills this gap is known as "bridge therapy."
What Is Bridge Therapy?
Bridge therapy is a temporary intervention applied to prepare for bariatric surgery. The goals:
- Preoperative weight loss: A 5–10% body weight loss is targeted to reduce surgical risk.
- Metabolic improvement: A positive effect on blood sugar, blood pressure, and fatty liver.
- Behavioral change: Developing portion-control habits — improves postoperative adherence.
Advantages of the Allurion Balloon as a Bridge Therapy
Unlike traditional endoscopic balloons, the Allurion:
- Requires no endoscopy → No sedation/anesthesia risk in the morbidly obese patient.
- Placed in 15 minutes → The patient goes home the same day.
- Digital monitoring → Your physician follows the process remotely, and adherence is high.
In Ienca et al.'s study of 1,770 patients, a mean 14.9% TBWL was documented (Obes Surg 2020, PMID: 32279182). Before bariatric surgery, this loss significantly reduces surgical risk and liver size.
Who Benefits from Bridge Therapy?
| Profile | Role of Bridge Therapy |
|---|---|
| BMI 35–45, not ready for surgery | Preoperative weight loss + habits |
| Hepatic steatosis (fatty liver) | Liver size reduction (hepatic shrinkage) |
| Wanting to reduce surgical risk | Metabolic parameters are improved |
| Wanting to postpone the surgery decision | A temporary but effective solution |
| BMI 30–35, on the surgical borderline | Alternative or preparation |
Bridge Therapy Protocol
Typical process:
- Joint evaluation with a bariatric surgeon
- Allurion Balloon placement (~15 min)
- Months 4–6: Weight loss + nutrition habits
- Natural excretion of the balloon at ~week 16
- Surgical readiness evaluation
In a multicenter retrospective study (2025, Obes Surg, PMID: 41037243), it was shown that IGB placement did not adversely affect post-bariatric outcomes and optimized the preparation period.
Bridge Therapy and Long-Term Outcomes
The one-year weight-maintenance data are also encouraging: in Caballero et al.'s study of 522 patients, it was documented that 95% of patients maintained at least part of their weight loss after the Allurion Program (Obes Surg 2025, PMID: 40676353).
Conclusion
With bridge therapy, bariatric surgery can become both safer and more effective. With its endoscopy-free design, the Allurion offers an option that can be applied even in high-risk patients.
A note to bariatric surgeons: For detailed information about the Allurion bridge therapy protocol, contact our clinical team.
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This content is for informational purposes. Consult your doctor for an individual treatment decision. Individual results may vary.
Related Topics
- What Is the Allurion Swallowable Gastric Balloon? →
- Weight Loss with a Gastric Balloon — Clinical Data →
- Who Is It For? Candidate Criteria →
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