Allurion Gastric Balloon Pill

The concept of a gastric balloon represents a temporary and often effective solution for those concerned about, or who may not qualify, for more invasive bariatric surgeries. However, until recently, even gastric balloon placement required sedation and an endoscopic procedure. Mr. Ahmed now offers qualifying patients the benefits of the Allurion gastric balloon pill, a unique weight loss options that requires neither surgery nor an endoscopic procedure to place in the stomach.

How It Works

At our offices, the patient simply swallows a small pill (with the balloon encapsulated therein). This pill is connected to a tube long and narrow enough to reach the stomach via the mouth. The pill enters the stomach through esophagus using the body’s normal digestive processes. Once in place, we take an x-ray to ensure appropriate positioning. At this point, the balloon is filled with up to 550 mL of sterile saline solution. The size of the filled balloon is approximately that of a grapefruit. The tube is then disconnected and removed. Another X-ray is taken to ensure appropriate fill.
Critically, unlike other weight loss options, including surgery and endoscopy, the Allurion balloon does not require any sedation and the entire process can be performed in approximately 15 minutes.

The balloon remains in the stomach for approximately 3 months, after which time a portion of the balloon dissolves naturally, deflates and is passes naturally through the body.

Lifestyle considerations with an Allurion balloon

Immediately after placement, most patients experience some nausea and discomfort for approximately a week. This is normal, as the stomach adjusts to a foreign object. During this time, we offer the patient medication to help with the nausea.

Eating patterns will also change after the insertion of the balloon. For the first one to two days, we may suggest that you stick to a liquid diet. The size of the balloon allows patients to eat smaller portions and feel full sooner.

Lifestyle support

As the balloon is temporary, it is important that the patient engages in a new lifestyle, including improved diet and exercise. Over 6 to 12 months, depending on the program for which the patient signs up, we offer comprehensive lifestyle support, managed by a dietician, that includes nutritional and exercise counseling in order to maintain their weight loss.

The package includes a pair of biometric Bluetooth scales and access to a weight loss app.  Which means you can keep in full control of your journey, and at the click of a button you can send information to your dietician which can be used to make adjustments and changes to your plan to ensure every success.

Results of the Allurion Balloon

Results of the Allurion balloon pill will largely depend on the patient’s willingness and ability to change their lifestyle with the help of the balloon. Preliminary data shows that over 70% of patients with the ellipse gastric balloon achieved at least 10% total body weight loss as compared to less than 10% through diet and exercise alone.

Risks

The risks of the gastric balloon pill are somewhat lower when compared to both surgical and endoscopic options, which require sedation. A consultation with Mr. Ahmed will discuss risk specific to the patient’s particular circumstance.

Not all patients will qualify for the gastric balloon pill and for some, surgery may be a better option, especially in cases of severe obesity and chronic comorbidities such as diabetes. The first step is to schedule a consultation with Mr Ahmed and learn more about this and all weight loss options available to you.