The Swallowable Gastric ‘Pill’ balloon is a gastric balloon that is swallowed in the outpatient clinic. The procedure takes 15 minutes and requires no surgery, no endoscopy and no anaesthesia.
If your Body Mass Index (BMI) score is over 27, the dissolvable gastric balloon may help you to achieve long-term weight loss, and the management of other medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
The swallowable gastric balloon procedure may be particularly useful for people considered too overweight to undergo vital surgery. The use of the balloon to successfully reduce weight prior to surgery can also help to reduce the risks associated with surgical procedures on overweight patients. Your consultant will confirm your BMI score and carry out a detailed assessment, before deciding if a gastric balloon is suitable for you.
After approximately 16 weeks of Allurion therapy, patients lose an average of 10 to 15kg (1.57 to 2.36 stone) and 10 to 15% of body weight1 to 10
1. Jamal et al. Obes Surg. 2019 Apr;29(4):1236-1241. 2. Raftopoulos and Giannakou. SOARD. 2017 Jul;13(7):1174-1182. 3. Al Sabah, S., et al. SOARD. 2018, 14(3), 311-317. 4. Machytka E et al. Endoscopy. 2017 Feb;49(2):154-160. 5. Genco et al. Obes Surg 2017,DOI 10.1007/s11695-017-2877-1 6. Al-Subaie S et al. Int J Surg. 2017 Dec;48:16-22. *The Allurion Balloon must be used in conjunction with a supervised nutrition and behaviour modification programme. Allurion advises a 6-month follow-up programme. Its duration is defined by the physician, and may vary depending on the physician and patient profile. **In rare cases, the Allurion Balloon may require endoscopic or surgical intervention for removal. 7. Ienca et al. Submitted to SOARD. Abstract A278, presented at Obesity Week, 2018, Nashville, USA 8. Genco et al. Submitted to SOARD. Abstract A185, presented at Obesity Week, 2018, Nashville, USA 9. Ienca et al. Abstract 237, presented at IFSO 2019, Madrid, Spain 10. Raftopoulos et al. Abstract 1978. Presented at ACS 2019, San Francisco, United States. APM119-01-UK DCO124
Gastric balloon installation;
The balloon system consists of a soft, expandable balloon, a placement tube and a filling system.
During a 15-minute outpatient visit, you will swallow a capsule that contains the deflated balloon along with a thin tube.
Once the capsule has entered your stomach, your consultant will use the tube to fill the balloon with 550 ml of water with water.
Once the balloon is filled, your consultant will gently remove the tube—and you’ll be on your way.
Most people are able to swallow the balloon without issue. People who do have difficulty swallowing it can be assisted by their consultant, who will guide the balloon into place, without endoscopy or anaesthesia.
Most people are able to return to normal activity within a day or two, but some people experience nausea, abdominal cramping, and occasionally vomiting after balloon placement. In most cases, these symptoms are well-controlled with the standard medications prescribed by your consultant.
To maximise weight loss and optimise comfort, your dietitian will make recommendations that are best tailored to you, your body, and your goals.
The Gastric ‘Pill’ balloon is in place for 16 weeks and then excreted naturally.
After approximately 16 weeks inside your stomach, a time-activated release valve on the balloon will open, allowing it to empty and pass naturally through the gastrointestinal tract without the need for a removal procedure*.
* In rare cases, the Gastric ‘Pill’ balloon may require endoscopic or surgical intervention for removal. Talk to your doctor today to find out if the Allurion Programme is right for you.
Some people experience nausea, abdominal cramping, and occasional vomiting after balloon placement. In most cases, these symptoms are well-controlled with the standard medications prescribed by the physician.
