What is the Swallowable Gastric Balloon? How is it Applied?

A swallowable gastric balloon is an innovative method used in obesity treatment. Patients swallow this balloon to reduce stomach volume, helping them to eat less. The balloons are usually filled with saline solution and can stay in the stomach for a certain period. During this period, the patient feels full more quickly. The treatment process does not require endoscopy and is generally well tolerated by patients. This method offers an alternative solution, especially for those who cannot lose weight with diet and exercise. The volume and duration of each balloon can be adjusted according to the patient’s needs.

What is Obalon®?

Obalon® is a swallowable gastric balloon system developed for obesity treatment. Produced by Obalon Therapeutics Inc, this device is FDA approved and offers an easy method for adjusting stomach volume. The device is thin-walled and gas-filled, each with a capacity of 250 mL. By using a total of three balloons, the stomach volume of patients can be increased by 750 mL. These balloons are swallowed at monthly intervals and are well tolerated by most patients.

• Each balloon comes compressed in a specially designed 6-gram soluble gelatin capsule.
• The placement of the balloons in the stomach is confirmed by fluoroscopic imaging during swallowing.
• When the balloon reaches the stomach, gas is pumped to inflate the balloon via a catheter.
• The gas used during the process is mostly a nitrogen-based mixture, and this process is carried out remotely.
• After the balloon is inflated, the catheter is removed, and the balloon’s valve becomes self-sealing.

The Obalon® system can remain in the stomach for six months. At the end of this period, endoscopy is required to remove the balloons. During this procedure, the balloons are punctured and removed with forceps. Recently, the FDA-approved Obalon navigation system tracks the balloon’s position in the stomach using magnetic resonance, eliminating the need for fluoroscopy. This new system reduces radiation exposure and costs for both patients and healthcare staff. In Europe, the Obalon system is preferred for individuals with lower body mass indexes.

What is the Elipse Balloon?

Elipse is an innovative type of gastric balloon used in combating obesity. Although produced by Allurion Technologies, this device is not FDA-approved but offers different advantages compared to other traditional methods. It can be easily placed in the stomach by swallowing without requiring an endoscopic procedure. This eliminates the risks of anesthesia or other invasive procedures. Additionally, it reduces costs and provides a less discomforting experience for patients.
The use of the Elipse balloon offers a practical solution for the patient in the weight loss process:

• The balloon is delivered to the stomach in a capsule and inflated with liquid there.

• The liquid used during inflation is distilled water containing potassium sorbate.
• It is checked by X-ray whether the balloon is properly positioned in the stomach using radiopaque markers.

This method is especially suitable for patients who are not suitable for endoscopy or prefer not to undergo this procedure. The Elipse balloon remains in the stomach for about four months, reducing food intake capacity and increasing early satiety during this period.
When the balloon’s duration in the stomach is over, the self-emptying feature is activated:

• The liquid inside the balloon slowly empties.
• The balloon, made of soft polymer material, can be naturally excreted from the gastrointestinal system.

The placement of the Elipse balloon in the stomach is a procedure that takes only 20 minutes. During this period, the procedure can be completed while the patient is standing. This allows the patient to immediately return to daily life. The Elipse balloon is considered a cost-effective and low-risk alternative in the weight management process. However, a doctor’s check and evaluation are essential to ensure there is no gastric pathology.

How are Swallowable Obalon and Elipse Balloons Used?

Swallowable gastric balloons, especially Obalon and Elipse, play a significant role in the weight loss process. These devices temporarily reduce stomach volume with a minimally invasive approach, increasing the feeling of satiety.

Obalon Balloon System

Obalon is a swallowable, gas-filled balloon system. These balloons, which can be easily swallowed by patients, occupy volume in the stomach, providing faster satiety. The usage process includes the following steps:

• Initial Application: When the capsule swallowed by the patient reaches the stomach, a balloon opens. This procedure is usually performed under radiological control.
• Capacity Increase: Additional balloons can be used to further reduce stomach volume if needed. These balloons are usually placed at intervals of a few weeks.
• End of Process: Balloons are usually removed by endoscopic methods after six months.

The treatment results should generally be supported by patients’ diet and lifestyle changes. Previous clinical studies have shown that the use of Obalon provides significant weight loss:

• On average, patients have lost significant body weight at the end of the treatment process.
• It stands out with a high success rate and low risk of side effects.

Elipse Balloon System

The Elipse balloon is also a swallowable and liquid-filled balloon. The biggest advantage of this balloon is that it does not require endoscopy or anesthesia for placement or removal. The usage steps are as follows:

• Swallowing Process: The balloon is given to the patient in a capsule that can be swallowed with water. When it reaches the stomach, the balloon automatically starts to fill with liquid.
• Automatic Deflation: The balloon deflates itself after about four months and is excreted from the body naturally.

The use of Elipse offers various advantages:

• It offers a quick and simple application process.
• It does not require anesthesia or hospital admission.

Clinical studies have shown that the Elipse balloon provides effective weight loss. The treatment results are generally as follows:

• Statistically significant weight loss,
• Low side effect rate.

Side Effects and Safety Profile

Both types of balloons are generally well tolerated, but some side effects may occur. Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In very rare cases, more serious complications may develop:
Typical side effects encountered with the use of Obalon and Elipse:

• Abdominal pain,
• Vomiting,
• Diarrhea.

Rare serious complications:

• Stomach or small intestine blockage,
• Early deflation of the balloon.

The Ease of Swallowing the Elipse Capsule

In the application of a swallowable gastric balloon, swallowing the Elipse capsule may be worrying for some patients. However, this situation is quite rare because:

• The vast majority of patients swallow the capsule without any problems.
• Doctors have developed special methods for patients who have difficulty swallowing.

Doctors follow these steps to assist patients who have difficulty swallowing:

• Patients who have difficulty swallowing the capsule are gently guided to reduce the gag reflex.
• The catheter is stiffened to ensure the smooth delivery of the capsule to the stomach.

Differences Between the Allurion (Elipse) Balloon and Other Gastric Balloons

The Allurion Balloon stands out among swallowable gastric balloons because it does not require surgery, endoscopy, or anesthesia. While other balloons are generally placed with such medical interventions, the Allurion Balloon reaches the stomach by swallowing a capsule. This process takes about 15 minutes, and the patient can immediately return to daily life. This feature makes the Allurion Balloon ideal, especially for individuals with a busy work life.

• Duration: The Allurion Balloon is naturally excreted from the body after about 16 weeks. This duration is shorter than other balloons, allowing it to spend less time in the body.
• Side Effects: The Allurion Balloon has a lower side effect rate with an intolerance rate of 1-3% compared to other endoscopic balloons. The serious side effect rate is 10 times lower compared to other liquid-filled balloons.
• Material: The Allurion Balloon

  is made of vegan polyurethane. This material flexibly adapts to stomach movements and offers a more comfortable experience.

How Does the Swallowable Gastric Balloon Process Proceed?

Swallowable gastric balloon treatment is a modern and non-invasive method for weight management. The treatment starts with swallowing the Allurion Balloon, which occupies part of the stomach and increases the feeling of satiety. The balloon deflates itself approximately 16 weeks later and is naturally excreted from the body. During and after the treatment, the healthcare team continues to support the patient. After the treatment, patients are encouraged to maintain the healthy lifestyle habits they have learned. Clinical studies show that the majority of patients maintain their weight loss after treatment. In rare cases, medical intervention may be required to remove the balloon. The success of the treatment may vary depending on the patient’s compliance and motivation during this process.

The Superiority of the Allurion Program Compared to Traditional Diet Methods

Why is the Allurion Program considered a more effective alternative compared to other weight loss methods? Research shows that this program provides almost 2.5 times more weight loss compared to traditional lifestyle changes. The secret to the program’s success lies in its multifaceted approach. Here are the elements included in this comprehensive package:
Allurion Gastric Balloon: It creates a feeling of satiety in a short time and controls the amount of food intake.

Medical Support: You receive continuous feedback and guidance from healthcare professionals.

Digital Tools:

• Allurion Connected Scale
• Allurion Health Tracker
• Allurion Application

Who Can Apply for Obalon Weight Loss Treatment?

The Obalon gastric balloon method is a weight loss treatment designed for individuals who meet specific criteria. A comprehensive evaluation process is required for those who want to apply for this treatment. The health history and current condition are carefully examined, which is a critical step in terms of suitability for this treatment. Candidates are expected to have the following qualifications:

• Adults aged 22 and above
• Those with a BMI (Body Mass Index) between 30 and 40
• Those who have the motivation and capacity to carry out a 12-month weight loss program

Additionally, the Obalon treatment may not be suitable for some conditions. These contraindications include:

• Those with upper gastrointestinal system disorders
• Those allergic to pork products
• Those using certain medications
• Those with untreated or uncontrolled medical problems
• Pregnancy
• Those with alcohol or drug addiction