Allurion Swallowable Gastric Balloon in Turkey
The world's first swallowable gastric balloon, no surgery, no endoscopy, no anaesthesia. From £1,580 with professional support throughout.
The Allurion Balloon is a revolutionary weight loss tool that requires no surgery, no endoscopy, and no anaesthesia. You simply swallow a small capsule containing a deflated balloon, which is then filled with liquid once it reaches your stomach. The entire placement takes around 15-20 minutes in a clinic setting.
The balloon sits in your stomach for approximately 16 weeks, taking up space and helping you feel full sooner, eat smaller portions, and develop healthier eating habits. After 16 weeks, the balloon deflates automatically and passes naturally through your digestive system, no removal procedure needed.
Most patients lose 10-15 kilograms (1.5 to 2.5 stone) during the 16-week programme. For those who are not ready for surgery but want a proven, non-invasive kick-start to their weight loss, the Allurion Balloon offers a safe and effective option.
At The Health Store Turkey, your Allurion Balloon package includes the placement appointment, the balloon itself, and professional dietary support. From £1,500. In the UK, the same programme costs £3,000-£4,500.
What Is Allurion Swallowable Gastric Balloon?
How the Allurion Balloon Works
The Allurion Balloon is different from traditional gastric balloons because it does not require endoscopy (a camera down your throat) for placement or removal.
Placement: You swallow a small capsule, about the size of a large vitamin pill, attached to a thin, flexible tube. Once the capsule reaches your stomach (confirmed by a quick X-ray), the balloon inside is filled with approximately 550ml of liquid through the tube. The tube is then gently removed. The entire process takes 15-20 minutes, and you can go about your day afterwards.
In your stomach: The filled balloon sits in your stomach for approximately 16 weeks, occupying space that would otherwise be filled with food. This means you feel full more quickly, eat smaller portions, and naturally reduce your calorie intake without constant willpower.
Removal: After approximately 16 weeks, a time-activated release valve opens, the balloon deflates, and it passes naturally through your digestive system. There is no removal procedure, no endoscopy, and no further clinic visits needed for the balloon itself.
What Makes the Allurion Different?
Traditional gastric balloons require endoscopy under sedation for both placement and removal. The Allurion eliminates both of these steps, making it the simplest gastric balloon option available. It is also the only gastric balloon that requires no anaesthesia whatsoever, making it suitable for patients who want to avoid any form of sedation or surgical environment.
Am I Suitable?
The Allurion Balloon may be right for you if:
- Your BMI is between 27 and 40
- You want to lose 10-15 kilograms without surgery
- You are looking for a non-invasive kick-start to a healthier lifestyle
- You want to develop better eating habits with professional support
- You are not ready for (or do not need) surgical weight loss options
You may not be suitable if:
- Your BMI is above 40 (surgical options may be more effective for your needs)
- You have had previous gastric surgery or conditions affecting your oesophagus or stomach
- You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the 16-week programme
- You have inflammatory bowel disease, large hiatal hernias, or conditions that affect gastric emptying
Your free consultation assesses your suitability based on your BMI, medical history, and weight loss goals. If the Allurion Balloon is not the right fit, your patient coordinator will discuss alternative options with you.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Before Your Appointment
Your patient coordinator discusses your weight loss goals, medical history, and lifestyle during your free consultation. If you are a suitable candidate, your appointment is scheduled. No special preparation diet is required, the Allurion Balloon placement is a simple outpatient appointment.
On the Day
You arrive at the clinic, and the process takes approximately 15-20 minutes:
- You swallow the Allurion capsule with water. The capsule is connected to a thin, flexible tube.
- A quick X-ray confirms the capsule has reached your stomach.
- The balloon is filled with approximately 550ml of liquid through the tube.
- Another X-ray confirms correct placement.
- The tube is gently removed.
There is no anaesthesia, no sedation, and no endoscopy. Most patients describe the experience as slightly uncomfortable but manageable, similar to swallowing a slightly larger than normal pill.
After Placement
You can leave the clinic the same day. Most patients experience some nausea, cramping, or a feeling of fullness for the first 2-3 days as your stomach adjusts to the balloon. This is normal and usually settles within 72 hours. Anti-nausea medication is provided to help manage this adjustment period.
Your dietary support programme begins immediately, with guidance on eating around the balloon and making the most of the 16-week window.
Recovery & Aftercare
What to Expect
Because the Allurion Balloon is non-surgical, there is no recovery period in the traditional sense.
Days 1-3: Most patients experience nausea, stomach cramps, or a heavy feeling in their stomach as their body adjusts to the balloon. This is the most uncomfortable phase and typically resolves within 72 hours. Anti-nausea medication helps manage the symptoms. Stick to liquids and soft foods during this period.
Week 1-2: Symptoms settle. You begin eating small, regular meals and notice that you feel full much more quickly than before. This is the balloon working as intended, you naturally eat less without feeling deprived.
Week 2-16: This is your active weight loss phase. With the balloon reducing your appetite and professional dietary guidance helping you make better food choices, most patients lose 10-15 kilograms during this period. The weight loss is gradual and sustainable, typically 1-1.5 kilograms per week.
Week 16 (Approximately): The balloon's time-activated valve opens. The balloon deflates and passes naturally through your digestive system over the following days. Most patients do not notice this happening. No clinic visit or removal procedure is needed.
After the Balloon Passes
The habits you developed during the 16 weeks, smaller portions, healthier food choices, regular meals, are the foundation for maintaining your weight loss. Your dietary support continues to help you sustain these changes long-term.
Risks & Considerations
The Allurion Balloon has an excellent safety profile, having been used by over 150,000 patients worldwide. However, all medical devices carry some level of risk.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea and stomach cramps in the first 2-3 days (the most common side effect, experienced by most patients)
- Feeling of fullness or bloating
- Acid reflux (manageable with medication if it occurs)
- Constipation or changes in bowel habits during the first few weeks
Less Common Risks
- Early deflation of the balloon before the 16-week period (rare; the balloon passes naturally if this occurs)
- Persistent nausea beyond the first few days (uncommon; may require medical review)
- Bowel obstruction if the deflated balloon does not pass smoothly (very rare, less than 0.1%)
- Allergic reaction to the balloon material (extremely rare)
How Your Safety Is Managed
The Allurion Balloon is CE-marked and FDA-cleared, with over 150,000 placements worldwide. Placement is confirmed with X-ray imaging. Anti-nausea medication is provided as standard. Your care team is available throughout the 16-week programme if you have any concerns.
UK vs Turkey: What You Save
UK prices are indicative ranges based on private healthcare providers. Your THST price is confirmed during your free consultation.
UK Aftercare: We Are Here When You Get Home
Unlike other medical tourism companies, we do not leave you on your own once you are back in the UK. We have two dedicated aftercare clinics staffed by NHS-registered wound care specialists, so you can see a professional face-to-face for wound checks, dressing changes, and recovery support.
Medical disclaimer: Results of any surgical or interventional procedure may vary from person to person. You are advised to consult your physician for detailed information before undergoing any procedure. The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. See our Medical Disclaimer for full details.
What Our Patients Say
Real reviews from real patients. Their words, not ours.
"Excellent clinical care, very friendly. Attention to detail was impressive and the staff work hard to put your mind at ease. In safe hands."
"The team were brilliant. I felt so cared for and everyone was so lovely. The doctors made sure my health was good before going ahead."
"What amazing staff. The care and how well you are looked after, they go above and beyond. Five stars for the care and aftercare."
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients describe it as slightly uncomfortable but not painful. The capsule is about the size of a large vitamin pill, and you swallow it with water just like any other tablet. The thin tube attached to the capsule is flexible and smooth. Once the balloon is filled and the tube is removed, the process is complete. The entire placement takes 15-20 minutes, and no sedation or anaesthesia is needed. If you are nervous about swallowing the capsule, your care team will guide you through the process step by step.
Most patients lose 10-15 kilograms (approximately 1.5 to 2.5 stone) during the 16-week programme. Some patients lose more, depending on their starting weight and how closely they follow the dietary guidance provided. The Allurion Balloon is a tool that helps you eat less by making you feel full sooner, your results depend on combining this with healthier eating habits and regular activity. The professional dietary support included in your programme helps you maximise your results.
After approximately 16 weeks, a time-activated release valve opens inside the balloon. The liquid drains out, the balloon collapses, and it passes naturally through your digestive system over the following days. Most patients do not notice this happening, it passes like any other waste material. No clinic visit, endoscopy, or removal procedure is needed. This is one of the key advantages of the Allurion over traditional gastric balloons, which require an endoscopy for removal.
Yes. Once the initial adjustment period (first 2-3 days) has passed, you can return to all your normal activities including exercise. In fact, regular physical activity is encouraged throughout the 16-week programme, as it helps maximise your weight loss and builds habits that will help you maintain your results after the balloon has passed. Start gently and build up gradually, walking, swimming, and light gym work are all fine.
The balloon itself is temporary, it remains in your stomach for approximately 16 weeks before deflating and passing naturally. However, the habits you develop during that time can be permanent. The Allurion programme is designed to help you retrain your relationship with food, learn appropriate portion sizes, and build a sustainable approach to eating. Patients who commit to the dietary and lifestyle changes during the programme are the most likely to maintain their weight loss long-term. If you need to lose more weight, surgical options can be discussed during your consultation.
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