Anyone considering a gastric balloon ends up with dozens of questions. On this page, we have given honest, clinical-data-based answers to the 30 most frequently asked questions.
Procedure and Technique
1. What is the gastric balloon? The Allurion swallowable gastric balloon is an FDA PMA Class III–approved medical device that is swallowed inside a gelatin capsule and stays in the stomach, inflated with ~550 mL of fluid, for about 16 weeks.
2. How is it placed? It is swallowed by mouth. Its position is confirmed with fluoroscopy or ultrasound, and it is inflated through a catheter. No endoscopy or anesthesia is used at any stage.
3. How long does the procedure take? About 15 minutes on average. After 30–60 minutes of observation at the clinic, you can go home.
4. Is it painful? Mild difficulty swallowing may be felt during the procedure. No anesthesia or sedation is used; most patients tolerate the procedure comfortably.
5. How is the balloon removed? No endoscopy is required. At around week 16, the balloon deflates on its own and passes naturally out of the body through the digestive system.
6. Does the balloon deflate? By design, it deflates at ~16 weeks. Early deflation is rare; if it occurs, the color of your urine changes (the balloon contains a dyed fluid) and you must inform your physician.
7. How big is the balloon? Once inflated, it holds about 550 mL of fluid — you can think of it as the size of a large grapefruit.
Safety and Side Effects
8. Is the gastric balloon safe? Across 1,770 consecutive patients, the serious adverse event rate is <0.2% (Ienca et al. Obes Surg 2020, PMID: 32279182). With data from 200,000+ global placements, the safety profile has been extensively documented.
9. What are the side effects? The first 1–2 weeks: nausea, fullness, reduced appetite. These are expected and temporary symptoms. From the second week onward, they ease for the large majority.
10. Is there a risk of serious complications? Serious adverse events have been reported at a rate of <0.2%. These include early removal and, rarely, situations requiring endoscopic intervention. No deaths have been reported.
11. Is there a risk of stomach perforation? For Allurion, which requires no endoscopy, this risk is practically nonexistent (non-endoscopic placement). Perforation risk is specific to endoscopic procedures.
12. Can the balloon accidentally pass into the intestines? If the balloon deflates early, the deflated balloon passes into the intestines. Very rarely, a risk of obstruction can arise; that is why it is important to know the symptoms of early deflation.
Results and Effectiveness
13. How much weight is lost? The clinical group average is 14.9% TBWL (1,770 patients). Individual results vary; some patients lose more and others lose less. Individual results may vary.
14. Is the weight loss permanent? In a 522-patient study, 95% of patients maintained their weight loss one year after the balloon (Caballero et al. Obes Surg 2025, PMID: 40676353). The behavioral change built throughout the program is the foundation of this success.
15. What if the balloon doesn't work? Although the clinical data are positive, some patients may not reach the expected weight loss. In that case, alternative methods are evaluated together with your physician.
16. Can it be used together with GLP-1? Preliminary data on the combination, which is still under investigation, showed 23% TBWL (N=76, press release — awaiting peer review). Discuss an individual assessment with your physician.
Eligibility
17. At what BMI is it performed? The general range is BMI 27–40. Patients within this range can be evaluated if there are no contraindications.
18. Is there an age limit? 18–65 years is the general treatment range. Under 18 is contraindicated; over 65 requires individual assessment.
19. Can it be done during pregnancy? No. Pregnancy is an absolute contraindication.
20. Can people with diabetes have it? It can be performed in controlled type 2 diabetes; however, medication doses may need to be adjusted. Coordination with endocrinology is recommended.
21. Is it suitable for people who have had stomach surgery? It is generally contraindicated in people who have had sleeve gastrectomy. For other stomach surgeries, individual assessment is essential.
Program and Nutrition
22. What do you eat during the program? After placement, a gradual transition of liquids → purees → soft foods; then small portions and high protein. Details: Nutrition After the Gastric Balloon →
23. Can you exercise? Yes. Avoid high intensity in the first week; then increase gradually. An exercise program strengthens the results.
24. Can you drink alcohol? It is recommended to restrict it during the program — both because of its irritant effect on the stomach lining and because of its calorie load.
25. Is the Allurion App mandatory? It is not mandatory; however, the Dejeu et al. 2024 study (PMID: 38804393) showed that using the App + Scale improved outcomes. We strongly recommend using it.
Practical Questions
26. When can you return to work? Most patients return to office work within 1–2 days. For physically demanding work, 3–5 days may be recommended.
27. Can you travel by plane? Yes. The balloon is not an obstacle to travel. Because it contains a filling fluid, there are no problems at TSA / airport security; if needed, you can get a procedure document from your physician.
28. Can you have an MRI? Because of the Allurion balloon's metal-free construction, MRI is considered safe. Even so, inform the imaging center.
29. Can the balloon be repeated? Yes. A second Allurion Program can be done. The interval and suitability are evaluated with your physician.
30. Does my insurance cover it? In Türkiye, it is outside SGK (public insurance) coverage. Some private insurance policies may cover it — check with your insurance company. PMA status can serve as a supporting document in some insurance negotiations.
Still Have Questions?
For questions not on our list, reach out directly to our specialist physicians.
Further reading:
- Swallowable Gastric Balloon 2026 Comprehensive Guide →
- Preparation Before the Gastric Balloon →
- Nutrition After the Gastric Balloon →
- Clinical Evidence →
- Find a Specialist →
This content is for general informational purposes. For your individual questions, always consult your specialist physician.
Authorized Clinic in a City Near You
You can have the Allurion Program at more than 60 authorized clinics across Türkiye. For clinics in major cities:
Clinical Sources
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