Lose 20–50+ Pounds
Without Surgery or Endoscopy

Yes. The Allurion Balloon received FDA approval and is the first and only swallowable, self-emptying gastric balloon approved for use in the United States. Prior to FDA approval, it had already been used in over 150,000 procedures across 60+ countries worldwide. The FDA approval was based on rigorous clinical trials that demonstrated both its safety and effectiveness for weight loss in adults with a BMI of 30 to 40.

Most patients report little to no discomfort during the placement itself. You swallow a capsule with water — there are no incisions, no endoscopy, and no anesthesia involved. Some patients do experience nausea, cramping, or an uncomfortable “full” feeling during the first 1 to 3 days as your stomach adjusts to the balloon. Dr. Davtyan prescribes anti-nausea medication to manage this, and for most patients, these symptoms resolve quickly. After the adjustment period, the vast majority of patients say they forget the balloon is there.

Most patients lose between 20 and 50+ pounds during the approximately 16-week treatment period. Some patients lose more, depending on their starting weight, adherence to the nutrition program, and activity level. The Allurion Balloon includes a full weight loss ecosystem — a connected scale, a health tracker wearable, a mobile app, and nutrition coaching — all designed to maximize your results and help you develop habits that keep the weight off after the balloon passes.

The placement is remarkably simple. You come to our office and swallow a small capsule — about the size of a large vitamin — attached to a thin, flexible catheter. You wash it down with water. Dr. Davtyan takes a quick X-ray to confirm the capsule has reached your stomach, then fills the balloon with saline solution through the catheter. The catheter is gently removed, and you’re done. The entire process takes approximately 15 minutes. No anesthesia, no sedation, no endoscopy, no IV.

No — and this is one of the biggest advantages of the Allurion Balloon. After approximately 16 weeks, the balloon’s built-in timer-release valve opens. The balloon deflates on its own and passes naturally through your digestive system, just like food. There is no second procedure, no endoscopy, and no clinic visit required for removal. This is fundamentally different from other gastric balloons like Orbera, which require a second endoscopy under sedation to be removed.

They’re very different approaches. Ozempic (semaglutide) and Wegovy are GLP-1 medications that require weekly injections on an ongoing basis. They cost $500 to $1,300 per month, and studies show that most patients regain approximately two-thirds of the weight they lost within 12 months of stopping the medication. Common side effects include persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle loss, and changes in facial appearance sometimes called “Ozempic face.”

The Allurion Balloon is a one-time, 15-minute procedure with no ongoing injections or monthly medication costs. It includes a comprehensive coaching program designed to help you build lasting habits so you can maintain your weight loss after the balloon passes. Many of our patients choose Allurion specifically because they want to avoid the side effects and indefinite cost of GLP-1 medications.

The Allurion Balloon is FDA-approved for patients with a BMI between 30 and 40. If your BMI is above 40, Dr. Davtyan may recommend gastric sleeve surgery, which typically delivers more significant long-term weight loss for patients with higher BMIs. In some cases, Dr. Davtyan uses the Allurion Balloon as a “bridge” — helping a patient lose weight before surgery to reduce surgical risk and improve outcomes. During your free consultation, Dr. Davtyan will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the approach that’s best for you.

Yes. We understand that cost is an important consideration, and we want to make the Allurion Balloon accessible. We offer financing through CareCredit and Prosper Healthcare Lending, with monthly payment plans that are often less than the cost of one month of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic. We also offer in-house payment options. During your consultation, our team will walk you through all available financing options and help you find a plan that fits your budget.

Dr. Davtyan performs the Allurion Balloon procedure at our offices in the greater Los Angeles area, including our Glendale location near downtown L.A. and our Beverly Hills office. The procedure is done in-office — no hospital visit required. We also see patients from across Southern California, including Rancho Cucamonga, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, and the San Fernando Valley. Since the placement takes just 15 minutes and requires no anesthesia, many patients drive themselves to and from the appointment.

Getting started is easy. Call us at (877) 9-BE-SLIM or fill out the form on this page to schedule your free consultation. During the consultation — which can be in-person at one of our offices or via telehealth — Dr. Davtyan will review your health history, discuss your weight loss goals, determine whether the Allurion Balloon is the right option for you, and answer any questions you have. There is absolutely no pressure and no obligation. If Allurion isn’t the right fit, Dr. Davtyan will recommend the best alternative based on your unique situation.