Understanding the Allurion Adjustment Process
If you’re considering the Allurion Balloon for weight loss, you probably have one question at the top of your mind: What will the side effects feel like?
It’s a completely fair question — and one that Dr. David G. Davtyan believes every patient deserves an honest, week-by-week answer to. At LapBandLA, we don’t sugarcoat the experience. The Allurion Balloon is an FDA-approved swallowable gastric balloon with no endoscopy and no anesthesia required. 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. Your body still needs time to adjust.
Most common Allurion Balloon side effects ease after the first days, but they can recur, and serious events can happen. Understanding what’s normal — and what’s not — empowers you to move through the process with confidence.
Here’s exactly what to expect from Day 1 through Week 16.
Day 1-3: What to Expect Right After Placement
The first 72 hours are when Allurion Balloon side effects are at their peak. This is completely normal and expected.
Nausea and vomiting are nearly universal in the first days, and can recur. Your stomach is adjusting to a new, space-occupying device, and it’s going to let you know. Severity varies; in the FDA trial, 97% of adverse events were mild or moderate.
Cramping and abdominal discomfort are also very common during this phase. You may feel pressure or tightness in your upper abdomen as the stomach muscles contract around the balloon. Some patients also experience mild bloating.
A persistent feeling of fullness sets in almost immediately. This is, of course, part of how the balloon works — but in the first few days, the sensation can feel more intense than expected.
How We Help You Through It
At LapBandLA, Dr. Davtyan prescribes anti-nausea medication proactively — meaning you’ll have it before you even swallow the capsule. We don’t wait for symptoms to appear. This proactive approach makes a significant difference in patient comfort.
Most patients report that symptoms peak within 24-48 hours of placement and then begin to subside. By the end of Day 3, the worst is typically behind you.
- Pro tip from Dr. Davtyan: Stay hydrated with small, frequent sips of water. Don’t try to eat a regular meal during the first day or two. Your body needs time to adapt, and forcing food can worsen nausea.
Week 1: The Adjustment Period
The first full week with the Allurion Balloon is an adjustment period for both your stomach and your routine.
Reduced appetite becomes very noticeable. You’ll find that even small portions feel satisfying — sometimes just a few bites. This is the balloon doing its job, and while it can feel unusual at first, most patients describe it as a welcome change by mid-week.
Smaller meals are essential. Dr. Davtyan recommends eating slowly, chewing thoroughly, and stopping at the first sign of fullness. Overeating during this phase can trigger nausea and vomiting.
Hydration is critical. Because you’re eating less, you need to be intentional about drinking water throughout the day. Dehydration is one of the most preventable complications during Week 1.
Most patients can return to work within 1-2 days after placement. We recommend scheduling your Allurion Balloon appointment on a Thursday or Friday so you have the weekend to rest and adjust. By Day 5-7, the majority of patients feel significantly more comfortable.
For a detailed guide on what to eat during this period, check out our what to eat with Allurion post.
Week 2-4: Settling In
This is where the experience transforms from “I’m adjusting” to “I’m in a groove.”
By the second week, nausea and cramping have largely resolved for the vast majority of patients. You may still notice occasional mild discomfort after eating too quickly or consuming a larger-than-recommended portion, but the persistent symptoms from Week 1 are gone.
Appetite reduction becomes more comfortable and predictable. You’ll start learning your new portion sizes and developing a feel for how much food satisfies you. This is a powerful behavioral shift — the balloon essentially retrains your hunger signals.
Energy levels return. Many patients report feeling more energetic during Weeks 2-4 as their bodies adapt and they begin losing weight. The Allurion Health Tracker and App help you monitor your activity levels and nutrition during this phase.
You can begin incorporating more regular foods into your diet during this period, though Dr. Davtyan recommends continuing to prioritize protein-rich, nutrient-dense options. Avoid high-sugar and high-fat foods that provide empty calories and can cause discomfort.
Month 2-4: The Results Phase
Here is what the trial showed.
By Month 2, most patients have fully adapted to the balloon and are experiencing steady, consistent weight loss. In the FDA pivotal (AUDACITY) trial, Allurion patients lost an average of 6.9% total body weight loss at 48 weeks — compared with 3.09% with lifestyle therapy alone, with up to two balloons, according to the AUDACITY study.
During this phase, you’ll notice:
- Consistent weekly weight loss that you can track on your Allurion Connected Scale
- Comfortable portion sizes that have become second nature
- Improved energy and mobility as excess weight comes off
- Coaching support through the Allurion App keeping you accountable
Nausea or vomiting can recur during this time, especially when you advance or change your diet. In the FDA trial, 97% of adverse events were mild or moderate. The combination of the balloon’s physical appetite suppression and the program’s lifestyle coaching creates a powerful foundation for lasting change.
Dr. Davtyan recommends this phase as the ideal time to build exercise habits. Your body is adapting to healthier portions, and adding regular movement amplifies your results.
Check out the full Allurion results timeline to see what weight loss looks like month by month.
When the Balloon Passes (Week 15-16)
One of the most remarkable features of the Allurion Balloon is how it exits your body: naturally and without any procedure.
Around Week 15-16, the balloon is designed to automatically deflate. A time-activated release valve opens, the balloon empties, and the deflated material passes through your digestive tract just like food waste.
Many patients do not notice when the balloon passes. Call the office for any of the warning signs below.
This is a major advantage over other gastric balloons like Orbera, which requires a second endoscopy procedure under sedation for removal. With the Allurion Balloon:
- No removal appointment
- No endoscopy
- No anesthesia
- No downtime
By this point, you’ve spent 4 months building healthier eating habits, working with your nutrition coach, and tracking your progress. The goal is that these habits continue after the balloon is gone. The FDA summary has no data beyond 48 weeks. In the FDA trial, the last measure was 6.87% average weight loss at 48 weeks.
Rare but Serious Side Effects
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. The FDA summary also lists organ injury, perforation, obstruction and the need for endoscopic, radiologic or surgical intervention among potential effects.
Early Balloon Deflation
In uncommon cases, the balloon may deflate before the intended timeline. If this occurs, the deflated balloon is designed to pass naturally. However, a prematurely deflated balloon carries a small risk of bowel obstruction if the material becomes lodged in the intestines.
Signs of early deflation may include:
- Sudden return of appetite
- A feeling that the balloon has “disappeared”
- Vomiting or abdominal pain that is new or worsening
Bowel Obstruction
Bowel obstruction is a serious potential complication; no small bowel obstructions occurred in the FDA trial. It would most likely occur if a deflated balloon did not pass naturally and became stuck in the intestinal tract. This may require medical intervention to resolve.
Other Rare Risks
- Persistent vomiting that requires early removal of the balloon by endoscopy
- Gastric ulceration at the balloon contact site
- Esophageal injury
Dr. Davtyan discusses all risks thoroughly during your consultation, and our team monitors your progress closely throughout the program.
When to Call Your Doctor
Certain symptoms require immediate medical attention. Call Dr. Davtyan’s office or seek emergency care if you experience:
- Persistent vomiting lasting more than 24 hours — especially if you cannot keep any fluids down
- Severe abdominal pain that is worsening or does not respond to prescribed medications
- Blood in your stool or black, tarry stools
- Signs of dehydration — dark urine, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, dry mouth that persists despite drinking fluids
- Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Sudden, severe bloating with inability to pass gas
At LapBandLA, we provide direct access to our care team throughout your entire Allurion program. You are never alone in this process.
Tips to Manage Allurion Balloon Discomfort
Dr. Davtyan and our team have helped many patients navigate the adjustment period comfortably. Here are proven strategies to minimize Allurion Balloon side effects:
Medication
- Take anti-nausea medication as prescribed — don’t wait until nausea becomes severe
- Follow all medication instructions from Dr. Davtyan’s team, including timing and dosage
Eating Habits
- Eat small, frequent meals rather than three large ones — aim for 5-6 mini-meals per day during Week 1
- Chew food thoroughly and eat slowly — put your fork down between bites
- Stop eating at the first sign of fullness — pushing past this point triggers nausea
- Avoid carbonated beverages during the first week, as they can increase bloating and discomfort
Hydration
- Sip water consistently throughout the day — aim for at least 64 ounces daily
- Avoid drinking large amounts at once, which can cause discomfort
- Consider electrolyte drinks if you’re struggling to stay hydrated
Activity
Gentle walking is one of the best things you can do in the first few days — it aids digestion and reduces bloating
Avoid strenuous exercise during Week 1, then gradually increase activity
Use Your Allurion Tools
- Follow the guidance in your Allurion App — it’s specifically designed to coach you through each phase
- Track your meals, water intake, and symptoms so your care team can help optimize your comfort
Frequently Asked Questions About Allurion Balloon Side Effects
How long do Allurion Balloon side effects last?
The most noticeable Allurion Balloon side effects — nausea, cramping, and a feeling of fullness — typically peak within 24-48 hours of placement and improve significantly by Day 3-4. Most patients feel comfortable and well-adjusted by the end of the first week. Mild appetite suppression continues throughout the 16-week period, which is actually the desired therapeutic effect.
Is nausea with the Allurion Balloon severe?
Nausea is the most commonly reported Allurion Balloon side effect, but it is typically manageable with the anti-nausea medication that Dr. Davtyan prescribes proactively before placement. In the FDA trial, 97% of adverse events were mild or moderate. It peaks in the first 24-48 hours and decreases substantially by Day 3.
Can I work during the first week with an Allurion Balloon?
Most patients can return to work within 1-2 days after Allurion Balloon placement. Dr. Davtyan recommends planning for at least one day off after your placement appointment. Some patients prefer to schedule their placement on a Thursday or Friday so they have the weekend to adjust comfortably.
What happens if the Allurion Balloon deflates early?
Early balloon deflation is uncommon. If the balloon deflates prematurely, it is designed to pass naturally through the digestive system. However, in very rare cases, a deflated balloon could cause a bowel obstruction. Contact Dr. Davtyan’s office immediately if you experience sudden abdominal pain, bloating, or vomiting after the initial adjustment period.
Do I need a procedure to remove the Allurion Balloon?
Not in the usual course. The balloon is designed to deflate around Week 15-16 and pass through the digestive system on its own. Complications may require endoscopic or surgical intervention. Many patients do not notice when the balloon passes.
Are Allurion Balloon side effects worse than Orbera?
The initial stomach-related side effects — nausea, cramping, and fullness — are generally similar between both gastric balloons. However, the Allurion Balloon avoids the additional side effects associated with endoscopy and sedation that Orbera requires for both placement and removal. There is no sore throat from the endoscope, no grogginess from anesthesia, and no recovery from a second removal procedure.
Ready to Learn More About the Allurion Balloon?
Understanding the side effects is an important part of your decision-making process, and Dr. Davtyan is here to answer every question you have. At LapBandLA, we walk you through exactly what to expect — before, during, and after your Allurion Balloon placement.
Talk with Dr. Davtyan about whether the expected benefit is worth the side effects for you.
Schedule Your Free Allurion Balloon Consultation
Call 844-41-BALLOON to speak with our team and find out if the Allurion Balloon is right for you. We see patients at our Beverly Hills, Glendale, Rancho Cucamonga, Fountain Valley, and Marina Del Rey locations.
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