10 Things to Know Before Getting Allurion

10 Things to Know Before Getting the Allurion Balloon

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 bariatric 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 the Only FDA-Approved Swallowable Balloon

The Allurion Balloon isn’t just another weight loss gadget. It received FDA Premarket Approval (PMA) on February 23, 2026 — the most rigorous type of FDA device approval. This makes it the first and only swallowable gastric balloon approved for use in the United States.

Why does this matter? PMA approval means the device has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating both safety and efficacy. Unlike 510(k)-cleared devices that only need to show they’re similar to something already on the market, PMA-approved devices must prove they work through rigorous, original clinical data.

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 makes the Allurion Balloon truly revolutionary. 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
• The balloon is inflated with fluid through the catheter
• An X-ray confirms proper positioning in the stomach
• The catheter is gently removed

The entire visit takes about 15 minutes. No IV, no sedation, no operating room, no recovery room. You walk in, swallow the capsule, and walk out. 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. Average Weight Loss Is 10-15% of Body Weight

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 14% total body weight loss
• 2.2x more weight loss than diet and exercise alone
• 10-15% body weight loss within the 16-week balloon period

To put that in perspective: if you weigh 220 pounds, a 14% loss means losing approximately 31 pounds. For a 250-pound patient, that’s about 35 pounds.

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 program can extend up to 10 months, giving you ample time to develop and solidify the habits that keep weight off permanently. 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 cramping are the most common side effects, and they 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, which is in line with the national average of $3,000-$4,000.

That price includes everything:

• 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 are available, including CareCredit (with 0% interest plans), Prosper Healthcare Lending, and in-house payment plans. Monthly payments can be as low as approximately $170/month.

When you compare this to the ongoing cost of GLP-1 medications ($10,000-$15,000+/year) or bariatric surgery ($15,000-$25,000+), the Allurion Balloon represents significant value. 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 877-9-BE-SLIM 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 additional weight loss is desired and medically appropriate, a second balloon can be placed after the first one passes.

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: the Allurion Balloon offers a completely non-invasive experience from start to finish. No operating room visits, no sedation, and no removal procedure. For patients who want effective weight loss without the medical procedures involved in Orbera, the Allurion Balloon is a game-changer.

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

10. Results Last When Combined With 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. And the data shows it works.

According to clinical data, 95% of Allurion Balloon patients maintain their weight loss at 1 year. That’s a remarkable statistic, and it speaks to the effectiveness of the comprehensive approach: 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.

Dr. Davtyan sees this with his patients time and again. The patients who embrace the full program — who track their meals, attend their coaching sessions, follow the nutrition guidance, and stay active — are the ones who not only lose weight but keep it off.

The Allurion Balloon gives you a 16-week window to build habits that last a lifetime. 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 Consultation

Call 877-9-BE-SLIM 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