What is the obesity rate in Australia?
Based on the latest available data, of adults aged 18 and over: Two in 3 (67%) are overweight or obese. This is approximately 12.5 million adults. 36% are overweight but not obesity.
What is a intragastric balloon?
A gastric balloon is a weight loss solution that involves placing a soft, inflatable balloon in the stomach to reduce its capacity and help you feel fuller faster and stay fuller for longer. It is considered safe and a less invasive alternative to weight loss surgery. The balloon stays in the stomach for a period of time, usually several months, during which it helps you to eat smaller portions, consume fewer calories, and achieve significant weight loss. After this residence period, the balloon deflates and is removed either through endoscopy, or in the case of the Allurion Balloon, passes out of the body naturally.
Indications of Intragastric Balloons
• Have failed attempts at medical weight loss management
• Want to “jump start” their long-term weight loss
• Want just short-term weight loss, e.g., to make them better candidates for bariatric surgery, knee replacement, to enable fertility in patients with PCOS
• Have major life events such as marriage or acting role that requires or warrants rapid cosmetic weight loss
• Don’t qualify for bariatric surgery
• Don’t want bariatric surgery
• BMI: 27-40
What are types of intragastric Balloons?
Endoscopically inserted e.g., Apollo Balloon
Radiologically inserted e.g., Allurion Balloon
What are the differences between the Allurion Balloon and other intragastric balloons?
The Allurion Balloon is the world’s first and only gastric balloon without the need for surgery, endoscopy or anaesthesia for balloon placement and removal. The balloon is swallowed as a capsule during a 15-minute placement which means less downtime or time off work for our patients.
Designed to pass naturally at approximately 16 weeks, the Allurion Balloon maximizes weight loss while minimizing time spent in the body, making it a more effective option than longer 6-month endoscopic balloons, where 80% of weight loss is achieved within the first 3 months.
The Allurion Balloon has fewer side effects. It has a significantly lower intolerance rate compared to 12-month endoscopic balloons (1-3% vs 14.4%) with an overall serious adverse event rate that is 10 times lower than other liquid-filled balloons.
Made from vegan polyurethane, a material that’s much thinner and more flexible than the silicone material in endoscopic balloons, the Allurion Balloon flexes and adapts as your stomach moves, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit.
How is the Allurion balloon removed?
After approximately 16 weeks inside your stomach, a time-activated release valve will open, allowing the balloon to empty and pass naturally through the gastrointestinal tract without the need for a removal procedure. The 6-month Allurion Program combines medical support and a weight-loss device (Allurion Gastric Balloon), digital tools (Allurion Connected Scale, Allurion Health Tracker and Allurion App) and nutritional coaching to kick-start your weight loss and help you form lifelong healthy habits to maintain the weight loss.
Can I return to normal activities after placement?
After the less than 20-minute placement, you can continue with your life; however, you may have some symptoms for a few days such as nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps. Your healthcare professional will advise you on care and nutrition after placement and the best plan to resume your activities, such as gym and exercise.
Will I put the weight back on?
Up to 96% of weight-loss may be sustained 12 months after the Balloon exits the body! The Intragastric balloons are designed to be temporary solutions for weight loss, and hence maintaining a healthy diet is mandatory to avoid putting the weight back.
How much weight can be lost with gastric intragastric balloon?
After approximately 16 weeks of the Allurion Program, multiple clinical studies have demonstrated that patients lose on average 10–15% of their total body weight. If you still want to lose more weight, a second Balloon can be placed after completing the first program.
