Lose Weight
Without Surgery or Endoscopy

Yes. The FDA approved the Allurion Balloon (P250023). 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. The FDA-labeled program consists of up to two balloons placed during a 10-month period, used with a moderate intensity lifestyle program. In the FDA trial, results were 6.87% average total body weight loss at 48 weeks vs 3.09% with lifestyle therapy alone, with up to two balloons. In that trial, 8 of 264 patients (3.0%) had device-related serious adverse events, all after balloon #2, including one gastric perforation with necrosis.

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. Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain are common in the first few days as your stomach adjusts to the balloon, and they can come back later. Dr. Davtyan prescribes anti-nausea medication. Contact the office right away for persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or sudden bloating.

In the FDA trial, results were 6.87% average total body weight loss at 48 weeks vs 3.09% with lifestyle therapy alone, with up to two balloons, and 58.0% of patients lost at least 5% of their body weight at 48 weeks. For a 200-pound patient, 6.87% is about 14 pounds. Results vary. The Allurion Balloon includes a connected scale, a health tracker wearable, a mobile app, and nutrition coaching to support your eating and activity habits. Its FDA indication is short-term limited weight loss.

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.

Not in the usual course. After approximately 16 weeks, the balloon’s built-in timer-release valve opens. The balloon empties on its own and passes through your digestive system. Complications may require endoscopic or surgical intervention, and a second balloon needs its own placement visit. Other gastric balloons like Orbera require endoscopy for removal.

They’re very different approaches. Ozempic (semaglutide) and Wegovy are GLP-1 medications that require weekly injections on an ongoing basis. 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. In the STEP 1 trial extension, participants regained about two-thirds of the weight they had lost one year after stopping semaglutide and lifestyle support. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation.

The Allurion Balloon is placed in about 15 minutes with no ongoing injections. The FDA-labeled program can include up to two balloons over 10 months; ask what your quote covers. It includes a coaching program to support healthier habits. The balloon has its own side effects, and its FDA indication is short-term limited weight loss. Average weight loss in GLP-1 label trials was greater; the trials are not directly comparable.

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. A BMI above 40 is outside the FDA-labeled range for the Allurion Balloon. During your free consultation, Dr. Davtyan will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the approach that’s best for you.

Yes. We offer financing through CareCredit and Prosper Healthcare Lending. The monthly payment depends on the amount financed, the term and credit approval. 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.