Who Is the Gastric Balloon For? Indications and Contraindications

"Is the gastric balloon right for me?" is the first question on most candidates' minds. The answer is shaped not only by your weight, but also by your medical history, lifestyle, and goals. In this article, we explain the general eligibility criteria and the contraindications.

---

Core Eligibility Criteria

BMI Threshold

The general guideline range for the Allurion Program:

BMI	Assessment
< 27	Generally not indicated
27–40	Ideal range for Allurion
> 40	Bariatric surgery prioritized; bridge therapy may be discussed

These values are only a starting guide. The final decision rests with your physician.

Age

• 18–65 years of age is the general application range
• Over 65: individual assessment required
• Under 18: contraindicated

General Health Status

While surgical fitness is not required, a careful assessment is made in cases of active, serious systemic disease.

---

Who Is It Especially Suitable For?

Those Who Don't Want Surgery or Carry Surgical Risk

For individuals who have general anesthesia risk, who cannot tolerate the postoperative recovery process, or who refuse surgery for psychosocial reasons, Allurion offers a meaningful alternative.

Moderate Excess Weight (BMI 27–35)

Individuals who fall below the bariatric surgery threshold and who have not achieved adequate results with conservative methods.

Bridge to Bariatric Surgery

In patients with BMI > 40, it can be planned together with your bariatric surgery to increase weight loss before surgery and reduce anesthesia risk.

Those Ready for Program Adherence

Allurion is a mechanical tool; it does not cause weight loss on its own. Adherence to the 16-week program, dietary change, and digital monitoring is essential. In the 1,770-patient study by Ienca and colleagues (PMID: 32279182), program adherence was shown to directly affect outcomes.

---

Contraindications

In the presence of the following conditions, Allurion is not applied:

Absolute Contraindications

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Active gastric or duodenal ulcer
• Active upper GI bleeding
• Large hiatal hernia (≥ 5 cm or symptomatic)
• Esophageal stricture or structural anomaly
• Esophageal varices (due to portal hypertension)
• Coagulation disorder or high bleeding risk
• History of gastric or esophageal surgery (certain types)

Relative Contraindications (Individual Assessment)

• Uncontrolled reflux (GERD) disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis)
• Severe kidney or liver failure
• Uncontrolled psychiatric illness
• Use of anticoagulant medication
• H. pylori infection (can be applied after treatment)

---

Special Situations

Patients with Diabetes

Allurion can be applied in patients with type 2 diabetes; however, the dose of insulin and some oral antidiabetic medications may need to be adjusted. Coordination with an endocrinology / internal medicine specialist is recommended.

Thyroid Disease

Controlled thyroid disease is not a contraindication. Uncontrolled hypo/hyperthyroidism adversely affects weight management; it is recommended that it be treated beforehand.

Previous Bariatric Procedure

In patients who have had sleeve gastrectomy, the procedure is generally contraindicated because the stomach anatomy has changed. A previous gastric band or other procedures require an individual assessment.

Psychological Health

An active eating disorder (bulimia, binge eating disorder) can adversely affect the success of the program. A psychological assessment is recommended.

---

The Decision Process

1. Calculate your BMI → BMI Calculator →
2. Review the contraindication list — if you have any condition on the list, clearly tell your physician
3. Specialist consultation — your physician makes the final decision after evaluating all factors
4. Preparation and program → What to Do Before a Gastric Balloon →

---

Continue reading:

• The Comprehensive 2026 Guide to the Swallowable Gastric Balloon →
• Preparation Before a Gastric Balloon →
• Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Balloon →
• Find a Specialist →
• Calculate BMI →

---

This content is for general informational purposes only. The eligibility decision must always be made by a specialist physician.

Authorized Clinic Near You

You can have the Allurion Program performed at more than 60 authorized clinics across Türkiye. For clinics in major cities:

• Gastric balloon clinic in İstanbul →
• Gastric balloon clinic in Ankara →
• Gastric balloon clinic in İzmir →
• Gastric balloon clinic in Antalya →
• Find a specialist in all cities →