The swallowable gastric balloon is a modern weight management tool that is placed into the stomach by swallowing a capsule, without requiring any endoscopy, anesthesia, or surgery. Developed by Allurion, this system is, as of 2026, applied in more than 70 countries, including Türkiye.
How Does the Swallowable Gastric Balloon Work?
The balloon, in the form of a small capsule attached to a thin tube, is swallowed with a glass of water. After it is confirmed to be in the correct part of the stomach via X-ray or ultrasound, it is filled with saline solution through the thin tube, and the tube is released.
Step by step:
- The capsule is swallowed with water (~5 minutes)
- The position is confirmed via imaging
- The balloon is inflated with ~550 ml
- The thin tube is withdrawn, and the balloon stays in the stomach cavity
- After 16 weeks the balloon deflates on its own and is passed in the stool
In this process, neither anesthesia, nor hospital admission, nor an operation is required. The procedure is completed on an outpatient basis in about 20 minutes on average.
Who Can Apply?
The ideal candidate for the swallowable gastric balloon meets the following criteria:
| Criterion | Description |
|---|---|
| Body mass index (BMI) | Between 27–40 |
| Age | Between 18–70 years |
| History of stomach surgery | None |
| Active gastric ulcer | None |
| Pregnancy | Not pregnant |
| Motivation | Ready for lifestyle change |
Note: Candidacy assessment is always done by a physician. This list is intended as a general guide.
Who Cannot Apply?
The following situations are among those in which the balloon cannot be applied or must be evaluated carefully:
- BMI over 40: In this group, bariatric surgery may be more appropriate
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding period
- Active gastric ulcer or reflux (if not under control)
- Certain coagulation disorders
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Difficulty swallowing
Every patient is different; situations not listed here may also fall within the scope of evaluation.
Effectiveness Based on Clinical Data
In a multicenter study published in 2020 (n=1,770), the Allurion Balloon was shown to provide a mean **total body weight loss (TBWL) of 14.9%**¹. A more comprehensive analysis from 2026 (n=2,454) compared different balloon systems and reported that Allurion, with its structure that requires no endoscopy, demonstrated effectiveness similar to or better than other balloons². Individual results may vary.
¹ PMID: 32279182 — Ienca et al., Obesity Surgery, 2020 ² PMID: 41705686 — Bastid et al., 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there pain? No pain is expected during the procedure. Stomach cramps and nausea may occur in the first 3–5 days; this is an expected adaptation process.
What does the balloon feel like inside? Most patients become unaware of the balloon's presence after the first week. The feeling of fullness increases, and meal sizes get smaller.
Can it be removed before 16 weeks? It can be removed early by endoscopy when necessary; however, this is not the standard protocol.
What does the program include? In addition to the balloon, the Allurion Program includes a smart scale, an activity-tracking wristband, a mobile app, and remote health coaching.
Conclusion
The swallowable gastric balloon is a clinically proven option for patients with a BMI between 27–40 who are looking for a non-surgical solution. In Türkiye, it is applied at authorized clinics.
To assess your candidacy, you can fill out the free pre-assessment form.
Authorized Clinic in a City Near You
You can have the Allurion Program applied at more than 60 authorized clinics across Türkiye. For clinics in the major cities:
Clinical Sources
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