Innovations in Weight Loss Surgery: The Rise of the Allurion Balloon

Weight loss can be a frustrating and challenging endeavor, especially for people who have tried several diet and exercise regimens with little or no success. 

While surgeries such as sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass may work for some people, they are often not the best solution for a majority of people struggling with obesity. The good news is there is a non-surgical method of losing weight – the Allurion balloon.

In this article, we explore the innovative Allurion ballon in weight loss surgery, the procedure of inserting it, its advantages over other methods, and the experiences other users have had. Lastly, it will show whether or not the Allurion balloon is a viable weight-loss method.

What is the Allurion Balloon?

The Allurion Balloon, formerly called the Allurion Elipse, is an effective, reliable, and safe way to support achievable weight loss goals. Allurion is a swallowable gastric balloon.

It is made from polyurethane, up to 85% lighter than other silicone gastric balloons, making it more malleable, lighter, and gentler on the stomach. It is as small as a grapefruit.

It works by taking up space in the stomach, thus reducing the amount of food a person eats at a time. The balloon is temporary and lasts for about four to six months. Patients lose between 20 to 30 pounds. 

The Procedure for Inserting an Allurion Balloon

The placement procedure for an Allurion balloon is non-surgical and simple. 

The deflated Allurion Balloon is encased by a swallowable gastric balloon capsule attached to a thin catheter through which distilled water gets transmitted into the balloon. The capsule is suited for vegans. The catheter is radio-opaque, meaning it can be identified accurately through X-ray. 

To begin, the patient will swallow the balloon capsule attached to a thin tube with a glass of water. 

Suppose assistance with swallowing the capsule is required. In that case, the doctor will insert a tin wire into the catheter called a Stylet that will stiffen it, thus enabling the doctor to gently push the capsule past the back of the patient’s throat and into their gut while swallowing water simultaneously. 

An X-ray will be taken to confirm the balloon’s position, and it is then filled with 550ml of distilled water. This takes up to 6 minutes. After the filling is complete, a second X-ray is taken to confirm that the balloon is in place and done correctly. 

Afterward, the doctor gently removes the catheter and leaves the balloon inside the stomach. The whole process takes, at most, 20 minutes. The special filament that binds the Allurion Balloon together is exposed only to the internal contents of the gastric balloon.

A food preservative works with distilled water to slowly degrade the filament. After approximately 16 weeks, the filament will fully degrade, and the balloon opens up. The balloon’s contents are released into the stomach, leaving the polyurethane membrane to pass naturally through the gastrointestinal tract.

Advantages of the Allurion Balloon Over Traditional Methods

The Allurion Balloon is an arguably superior weight loss option over other traditional methods for the following reasons:

• It is non-surgical: There is no need for general anesthesia, incisions, or hospital stay. The Allurion Balloon is, therefore, a less invasive and safer weight-loss option. 
• The Allurion Ballon is temporary: Patients can try this method for six months and evaluate how it works for them and how they like it. If pleased with the results, they can opt to get the balloon removed and continue on the weight loss journey on their own; if they are unhappy, they can remove it early and try a different method of losing weight.
• The method is effective: Numerous clinical trials have shown that patients using Allurion gastric balloons usually lose 10-15% of their total body weight in approximately 16 weeks.
• It is a perfect alternative: The Allurion balloon is a good option when other weight-loss alternatives fail. It has been proven to help jumpstart losing weight and supply the necessary motivation for a healthy lifestyle. 

Patient Experiences with the Allurion Balloon

Patients undergoing the Allurion Ballon surgery report favorable outcomes, including significant weight loss. 

Due to the balloon assistance, patients have developed real and sustainable benefits even after the surgery. The balloon helped them change their eating habits, get used to healthier and smaller portions, and gain a new perspective on their bodies.

Patients prefer the Allurion Balloon over other liquid-filled balloons because of its efficacy and lower risk of significant side effects. 

Is the Allurion Balloon Right for You?

The Allurion Balloon is recommended for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 27-40. The appropriateness of the procedure may be impacted by health issues that include pregnancy, gastrointestinal diseases, or a history of weight loss surgery.

Therefore, a complete medical evaluation before choosing the Allurion Balloon is advised. In addition, candidates must be willing to commit to making lifestyle changes to support the balloon’s effectiveness.