10 Things to Know Before Getting Allurion

What Every Prospective Patient Should Understand First

Thinking about the Allurion Balloon for weight loss? Before you schedule your consultation, Dr. David G. Davtyan wants you to be fully informed. As a board-certified surgeon with decades of experience at LapBandLA, Dr. Davtyan has helped countless patients understand exactly what to expect from the Allurion Balloon — what to know before your appointment, how to prepare, and what makes this option different from everything else on the market.

Here are 10 essential things every patient should know before getting the Allurion Balloon.

1. It’s an FDA-Approved Swallowable Balloon

The Allurion Balloon isn’t just another weight loss gadget. It received FDA Premarket Approval (PMA) on February 20, 2026 — the most rigorous type of FDA device approval. This makes it an FDA-approved swallowable gastric balloon that needs no endoscopy for placement or removal. It is indicated to promote short-term limited weight loss in adults aged 22 to 65 with a BMI of 30 to 40 who have had at least one unsuccessful weight-loss attempt.

Why does this matter? PMA approval means the device has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating both safety and efficacy. PMA-approved devices must be supported by clinical data showing a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness. Orbera also holds PMA approval (P140008, August 5, 2015), so this is not a difference between the two balloons.

Previously available internationally under the brand name “Elipse,” the Allurion Balloon is backed by years of global clinical evidence. Now US patients finally have access to this groundbreaking technology. For everything about Allurion, visit our comprehensive overview page.

2. No Endoscopy or Anesthesia Required

This is the feature that sets the Allurion Balloon apart. Unlike other gastric balloons like Orbera and Spatz — which require sedation and an endoscopic procedure to place — the Allurion Balloon is placed by simply swallowing a capsule with water.

Here’s the entire process:

• You swallow a small capsule attached to a thin catheter
• An X-ray confirms the capsule is in the stomach
• The balloon is filled with fluid through the catheter
• The catheter is gently removed

The entire visit takes about 15 minutes. No IV, no sedation, no operating room, no recovery room. You swallow the capsule, an X-ray confirms its position, the balloon is filled, and the catheter is removed. Most patients are surprised by how straightforward and comfortable the placement is.

For a detailed comparison of how this differs from other balloons, see our full Allurion vs. Orbera comparison.

3. What Weight Loss to Expect

Let’s talk results — because that’s why you’re here. The landmark AUDACITY clinical study demonstrated that patients with the Allurion Balloon achieved:

• Average weight loss: 6.87% average total body weight loss at 48 weeks vs 3.09% with lifestyle therapy alone, with up to two balloons
• More weight loss than diet and exercise alone
• About 58% of patients lost at least 5% of body weight, and 32.1% lost at least 10%, at 48 weeks

To put that in perspective: the pounds you lose depend on your starting weight and on how closely you follow the program.

Dr. Davtyan emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations. The Allurion Balloon is a powerful tool, but individual results vary based on adherence to the nutrition plan, activity levels, and engagement with the coaching program. The patients who get the best results are the ones who fully commit to the lifestyle changes.

4. It’s a Full Program, Not Just a Device

One of the biggest misconceptions about the Allurion Balloon is that it’s just a balloon you swallow. In reality, it’s a comprehensive weight loss program designed to create lasting change.

When you start the Allurion program at LapBandLA, you receive:

• Allurion Connected Scale — tracks weight trends automatically and syncs to the app
• Allurion Health Tracker — monitors activity, sleep, and other health metrics
• Allurion App — provides personalized coaching, meal tracking, and progress monitoring
• Nutrition support and lifestyle coaching — ongoing guidance from professionals who help you build sustainable habits

The FDA-labeled program can include up to two balloons over 10 months; ask what your quote covers. The program is meant to give you time to build healthier habits. Dr. Davtyan believes this program approach is what separates the Allurion Balloon from quick-fix solutions.

5. The First Week Is the Hardest

Let’s be honest: the first few days with the Allurion Balloon are uncomfortable for most patients. Nausea and vomiting are nearly universal in the first days, and can recur. Cramping is also a common side effect, and symptoms typically peak within 24-48 hours of placement.

But here’s the good news:

• Dr. Davtyan prescribes anti-nausea medication proactively — before you even feel symptoms
• Symptoms improve dramatically by Day 3-4
• Most patients can return to work within 1-2 days
• By the end of Week 1, the majority of patients feel significantly better

The key is to plan for it. Schedule your placement when you can take a day or two off. Stock up on clear liquids and light foods. And know that the discomfort is temporary — it passes, and what follows is steady, meaningful weight loss.

For a complete breakdown of what to expect each week, read our week-by-week side effects guide.

6. Cost Is $4,000 — and Financing Is Available

At LapBandLA, we believe in transparent pricing. The Allurion Balloon program costs $4,000.

That price includes the items below. The FDA-labeled program can include up to two balloons over 10 months; ask what your quote covers.

• The Allurion Balloon device
• The 15-minute placement visit with Dr. Davtyan
• Connected Scale and Health Tracker
• Allurion App access
• Lifestyle coaching and nutrition support

Financing options may be available through CareCredit or other lenders, subject to credit approval; ask about current terms.

For comparison, GLP-1 medications cost about $149 to $449 a month through manufacturer self-pay programs in 2026, depending on the product and dose; insurance varies. Visit our complete pricing guide for a full breakdown.

7. BMI Must Be Between 30-40

The Allurion Balloon has a specific FDA-approved indication. To be a candidate, you must meet the following criteria:

• BMI between 30 and 40
• Ages 22-65
• At least one prior failed weight loss attempt (diet, exercise, medication, etc.)

A BMI of 30 is the medical threshold for obesity. For reference, a 5’6” person weighing 186 pounds has a BMI of 30, while 248 pounds would be a BMI of 40.

Not sure if you qualify? Check your eligibility with our detailed BMI guide, or call 844-41-BALLOON to schedule a free consultation where Dr. Davtyan can evaluate your candidacy in person.

8. You Can Get Up to 2 Balloons

The Allurion program isn’t limited to a single balloon. The treatment plan allows for up to 10 months of supported weight loss with up to 2 balloons.

Here’s how it works:

• Balloon 1: Placed at the start of your program. Remains for approximately 16 weeks before naturally deflating and passing.
• Balloon 2: If medically appropriate, a second balloon is placed about 24 weeks after the first placement or two months after the first balloon passes, whichever comes first. A new balloon cannot be placed if a balloon was in the stomach less than 2 months ago. In the FDA trial, 8 of 264 patients (3.0%) had device-related serious adverse events, all after balloon #2, including one gastric perforation with necrosis. The FDA summary lists death among potential adverse effects; no patient died in the trial.

This extended program structure gives patients more time with the appetite-suppressing benefits of the balloon while continuing to receive coaching and lifestyle support. Dr. Davtyan works with each patient individually to determine whether a second balloon is the right choice based on their progress and goals.

9. It’s NOT the Same as Orbera

Patients often ask: “Is the Allurion Balloon just another version of Orbera?” The answer is a definitive no. While both are intragastric balloons, the differences are significant:

The bottom line: in the usual course the Allurion Balloon needs no operating room visit, no sedation, and no removal procedure. Complications may require endoscopic or surgical intervention.

See our full Allurion vs. Orbera comparison for more details.

10. Results Depend on Lifestyle Changes

The Allurion Balloon is not a magic pill — it’s a powerful jumpstart combined with a structured program that teaches you how to maintain your results. The FDA summary has no data beyond 48 weeks.

According to clinical data, average weight loss was 7.38% at week 40, when balloon #2 passed, and 6.87% at week 48. The program pairs two things: the balloon curbs your appetite and retrains your portion sizes, while the Connected Scale, Health Tracker, App, and coaching give you the tools and accountability to keep going.

The program asks you to track your meals, attend coaching sessions, follow the nutrition guidance, and stay active. Results vary, and weight can return.

Each Allurion Balloon gives you about 16 weeks to work on healthier habits. The question is: are you ready to commit?

Ready to Get Started?

Now that you know what to expect, the next step is simple. Schedule a free consultation with Dr. David G. Davtyan at LapBandLA to discuss whether the Allurion Balloon is right for you.

During your consultation, Dr. Davtyan will:

• Evaluate your BMI and medical history
• Discuss your weight loss goals and prior attempts
• Explain the procedure in detail and answer all your questions
• Review pricing, financing options, and your personalized treatment plan

Schedule Your Free Allurion Balloon Consultation

Call 844-41-BALLOON today. We see patients at our Beverly Hills, Glendale, Rancho Cucamonga, Fountain Valley, and Marina Del Rey offices.

Everything about Allurion | Week-by-week side effects | Complete pricing guide | Allurion vs. Orbera comparison | Check your eligibility