Allurion Balloon Side Effects: What to Expect Week by Week
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. While the Allurion Balloon is the first and only FDA-approved swallowable gastric balloon with no endoscopy and no anesthesia required, your body still needs time to adjust.
The good news? Allurion Balloon side effects are temporary, predictable, and highly manageable. 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 is the single most common side effect. Your stomach is adjusting to a new, space-occupying device, and it’s going to let you know. Most patients describe the nausea as moderate — similar to a bout of motion sickness or mild stomach flu.
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
This is when the magic happens.
By Month 2, most patients have fully adapted to the balloon and are experiencing steady, consistent weight loss. The Allurion Balloon is clinically proven to deliver an average of 10-15% total body weight loss over 16 weeks — that’s 2.2x more than diet and exercise alone, 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
Side effects during Month 2-4 are minimal. Most patients report feeling great — lighter, more confident, and motivated by visible results. 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.
Most patients don’t even notice when the balloon passes. There is typically no pain, no discomfort, and no disruption to your daily life. You simply realize at some point that the balloon is gone.
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 long after the balloon is gone — and the data shows they do, with 95% of patients maintaining their weight loss at 1 year.
Rare but Serious Side Effects
While the Allurion Balloon has an excellent safety profile, Dr. Davtyan believes in full transparency about all potential risks.
Early Balloon Deflation
In approximately 0.4% of 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”
- Blue-green discoloration of urine (the balloon contains a safe dye that changes urine color if it leaks)
Bowel Obstruction
Bowel obstruction is very rare but is the most serious potential complication. 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 requiring balloon removal (very rare, as the Allurion Balloon requires endoscopic removal in this case)
- Gastric ulceration at the balloon contact site
- Esophageal injury during placement (extremely rare given the simple swallowing procedure)
Dr. Davtyan discusses all risks thoroughly during your consultation, and our team monitors your progress closely throughout the program.
When to Call Your Doctor
While most Allurion Balloon side effects are mild and temporary, 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)
- Blue-green urine — this may indicate the balloon has deflated early
- 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. Most patients describe the nausea as moderate and similar to motion sickness. 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 occurs in approximately 0.4% of cases. 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, vomiting, or blue-green urine after the initial adjustment period.
Do I need a procedure to remove the Allurion Balloon?
No — and this is one of the biggest advantages of the Allurion Balloon. The balloon is designed to naturally deflate around Week 15-16 and pass through the digestive system on its own. No removal procedure, no endoscopy, and no anesthesia are needed. Most patients don’t even 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.
The vast majority of patients find that the temporary discomfort of the first few days is absolutely worth the 10-15% body weight loss and lasting lifestyle transformation that follows.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Call 877-9-BE-SLIM 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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