The preparations you make before starting the Allurion Program are critical both for your safety and for getting the expected benefit from the program. In this article, we walk through the gastric balloon preparation process step by step.
Step 1: Eligibility Assessment
First and foremost, whether the Allurion Program is right for you must be assessed by a specialist physician. The main topics to be addressed in this consultation:
Medical history:
- Stomach and digestive system surgeries
- Active gastric ulcer or reflux disease
- Coagulation disorders
- Liver or kidney function status
- Pregnancy / breastfeeding status
- Chronic medication use (especially anticoagulants, NSAIDs)
If there are no contraindications, BMI assessment:
- General guideline: BMI ≥ 27 kg/m²
- The upper limit is generally 40 kg/m² — above this, bridge therapy alongside bariatric surgery may be discussed
The final decision rests with your physician; this list is for informational purposes.
Step 2: Basic Lab Tests
Many clinics request the following tests before placement:
| Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Complete blood count | Screening for anemia, infection |
| Biochemistry (liver, kidney) | Organ function |
| Thyroid function tests | Ruling out a weight-related thyroid problem |
| Fasting blood glucose / HbA1c | Diabetes status |
| Pregnancy test (where age-appropriate) | Contraindication |
| H. pylori (if needed) | Pre-balloon treatment if there is an active infection |
Additional tests may be requested depending on the clinic's protocol.
Step 3: Upper GI Evaluation
In the presence of an active gastric ulcer, a large hiatal hernia, or an esophageal structural anomaly, the balloon is not placed. For this reason, some clinics request an endoscopy or imaging before placement. Your physician may request additional evaluation based on your GI status.
Step 4: Psychological Preparation
Weight management is not solely a physical process. Before placement, we recommend asking yourself the following questions:
- Am I truly ready for a 16-week program?
- Am I determined to change my eating habits?
- Do I have a support system (family, friends) that backs the program?
- Will I be able to cope with short-term discomfort (nausea in the first week)?
Allurion is a medical tool that supports behavioral change; the program's effectiveness is directly related to active participation in changing nutrition and activity habits. In multicenter real-world data (Ienca et al., n=1,770), the swallowable gastric balloon program was associated with a mean total body weight loss of 14.9% at week 16; however, results were reported to vary from person to person depending on program adherence and individual factors (PMID: 32279182). Individual results may vary.
Step 5: Appointment-Day Protocol
The night before the appointment:
- Do not eat solid food from midnight onward
- Water and clear fluids are generally permitted until 2 hours before the appointment
- The clinic may follow a different protocol — follow its instructions in full
On the day of the appointment:
- Choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Because the Allurion Balloon is placed as a swallowable capsule, the procedure requires no surgery, no endoscopy, and no anesthesia under standard conditions (Data on File, Allurion 2026); for this reason, most patients are not required to bring a companion
- It is recommended that you remain under clinical observation for the first 30–60 minutes after the procedure
- Since no sedation is administered, driving after the procedure is generally possible unless the clinic states otherwise; the final decision rests with the treating physician
Step 6: What to Bring With You
- A current medication list (dose and duration of use)
- Documents from your prior medical history (surgery reports, if any)
- Lab test results
- A list of questions — the questions you plan to ask during the consultation
Step 7: Preparation at Home
To get through the first 3–5 days after placement comfortably, prepare the following before you head home:
Kitchen stock:
- Meat/chicken/vegetable broth
- Plain yogurt
- Ayran (yogurt drink)
- Honey or thin cereal porridge (for light nutrition)
Practical:
- If your workload is heavy, allow some leeway for the first 2–3 days — nausea may occur
- Download the Allurion app in advance and activate your account
- Set up the smart scale in your home and test the Wi-Fi connection
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take pain relievers before the procedure? NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) can irritate the gastric mucosa — stop them at least 1 week before the appointment. Acetaminophen/paracetamol is generally permitted, but consult your physician.
Does smoking affect the program? Smoking can increase gastric acid secretion and may impair mucosal healing; for this reason, quitting before the program is recommended by physicians both for procedure safety and to support the benefit expected from the program. For individual advice, consult your Allurion physician.
Can I attend the appointment during my period? Yes, this is not an obstacle. Placement of the balloon is independent of the hormonal cycle.
I'm diabetic; what should I do before the appointment? You may need to adjust your diabetes medications (especially insulin and SGLT-2 inhibitors) to account for the fasting period. Discuss this with both your endocrinologist/internal medicine physician and your Allurion physician.
Continue reading:
- Gastric Balloon After-Care Nutrition Guide →
- How Does the Endoscopy-Free Gastric Balloon Work? →
- How It Works →
- Find a Specialist →
- Gastric Balloon Risks →
This content is for general informational purposes. Plan your personal preparation process with your physician.
Find an Authorized Clinic in a City Near You
You can have the Allurion Program performed at more than 60 authorized clinics across Türkiye. For clinics in major cities:
Clinical Sources
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