Swallowable Gastric Balloon 2026: Allurion, Cost, No Endoscopy Guide
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In this article 7 sections
The swallowable gastric balloon is the newest and least invasive weight-loss balloon: instead of an endoscopy, you simply swallow a capsule. There's no surgery, no anesthesia, and no removal procedure — after about 16 weeks it passes naturally. Best known by the brand names Allurion (formerly Elipse), it has made non-surgical weight loss simpler than ever. This guide explains exactly how it works, how it differs from traditional balloons, expected weight loss, safety, and the swallowable gastric balloon cost Turkey, Usa, UK and other countries.
| What is it? | → A balloon you swallow as a capsule — no endoscopy |
| Best-known brand | → Allurion (formerly Elipse) |
| How long it stays | → ~16 weeks, then passes naturally |
| Weight loss | → ~10–15% of body weight |
| Cost in Turkey | → €2,000 – €3,000 all-inclusive |
What is a swallowable gastric balloon?
A swallowable gastric balloon is a soft, medical-grade device that you swallow as a capsule — no endoscopy and no anesthesia required for placement. The best-known brand is the Allurion Balloon, previously called the Elipse Balloon.
Once the capsule reaches your stomach, the balloon inside is filled with liquid and takes up space, so you feel full sooner and eat less. It's designed to be temporary: after about 16 weeks, a release valve opens, the balloon empties, and it passes naturally through your digestive system — with no removal procedure.
How the swallowable balloon works — step by step
This is what makes the swallowable balloon genuinely different from every other option. The whole placement takes about 15–20 minutes in an outpatient visit:
- Swallow the capsule — you swallow a capsule containing the deflated balloon, attached to a thin catheter (tube). No sedation, no endoscopy.
- X-ray confirmation — a quick X-ray confirms the capsule is correctly positioned in your stomach.
- Fill the balloon — the doctor fills the balloon with about 550 ml of liquid through the catheter.
- Second X-ray — confirms the balloon is filled correctly.
- Remove the catheter — the thin tube is gently removed through the mouth, and placement is complete. You go home the same day.
- Natural exit (~16 weeks) — a release valve opens, the balloon empties and passes naturally. No removal procedure needed.
Swallowable vs traditional gastric balloon
| Feature | Swallowable (Allurion) | Traditional (endoscopic) |
|---|---|---|
| Placement | Swallowed capsule | Endoscopy under sedation |
| Anesthesia / sedation | None | Mild sedation |
| Duration in stomach | ~16 weeks (4 months) | 6 or 12 months |
| Removal | Passes naturally | Second endoscopy |
| BMI eligibility | From ~27 | Usually 30+ |
The trade-off: the swallowable balloon is simpler, less invasive and needs no removal, but stays for a shorter period. For those wanting a longer window or an adjustable option, a traditional 6- or 12-month balloon may suit better. Compare all options on our main gastric balloon guide.
Weight loss, safety & who it's for
Clinical studies show the swallowable balloon leads to an average weight loss of around 10–15% of total body weight — roughly 10–20 kg over the 16 weeks for many patients, alongside a nutrition program. It has been shown to improve obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea.
Is it safe? It's FDA-cleared and, because it avoids endoscopy and anesthesia, it removes some of the risks of traditional balloons — with generally fewer side effects. As with any gastric balloon, the first few days bring nausea, cramping and a strong feeling of fullness as your stomach adjusts; these usually settle within a few days and are managed proactively.
Who is it for? It suits people with a BMI from around 27 who want a non-surgical, low-commitment kickstart — including those who don't qualify for, or don't want, surgery like a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. Many clinics pair it with a connected scale and app to track progress.
Swallowable gastric balloon cost by country
Because it needs no endoscopy for placement or removal, the swallowable balloon avoids two sedation procedures — which can make it more streamlined than traditional balloon therapy. Cost still varies significantly by country:
| Country | Swallowable balloon cost |
|---|---|
| 🇹🇷 Turkey (all-inclusive) | €2,000 – €3,000 |
| 🇬🇧 UK | £3,500 – £5,000 |
| 🇺🇸 USA | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | $7,000 – $9,000 |
Turkey packages typically include the balloon, placement, imaging, nutrition support, hotel and transfers. For a full comparison of every balloon type and price, see our main gastric balloon cost guide, or explore all non-surgical weight loss options.
Swallowable Gastric Balloon — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a swallowable gastric balloon cost Turkey vs. UK vs USA?
In Turkey, a swallowable balloon (Allurion/Elipse) costs €2,000–€3,000 all-inclusive, versus £3,500–£5,000 in the UK and $4,000–$10,000 in the USA. Turkey packages usually include placement, imaging and nutrition support.
Does the swallowable balloon really need no endoscopy?
Correct — the Allurion (Elipse) balloon is swallowed as a capsule, with placement confirmed by X-ray rather than endoscopy, and no anesthesia. It also passes naturally after ~16 weeks, so no endoscopic removal is needed either.
How long does the swallowable balloon stay in?
About 16 weeks (4 months). A release valve then opens, the balloon empties and passes naturally through the digestive system. This is enough because most of a balloon's weight loss happens in the first 3 months.
How much weight can I lose with a swallowable balloon?
On average around 10–15% of total body weight — roughly 10–20 kg for many patients over the 16 weeks, paired with a nutrition and lifestyle program. Results depend heavily on the habits you build.
What are the side effects?
Mainly nausea, cramping and a strong feeling of fullness in the first few days as your stomach adjusts, usually settling within a few days. Because it avoids endoscopy and anesthesia, it generally has fewer side effects than traditional balloons.
Who is eligible?
People with a BMI from around 27 who want a non-surgical, low-commitment option. A medical assessment confirms suitability.
The Last Word from The More Clinics
The swallowable gastric balloon is the simplest, least invasive way to kickstart weight loss — no surgery, no endoscopy, no removal procedure. But like every balloon, it's a tool, not a cure: the 16-week window works best when paired with real nutrition and lifestyle change. In Turkey, it costs a fraction of UK or US prices, with nutrition support included.
Our medical team assesses your BMI eligibility and health honestly, and includes the dietitian support that turns a temporary balloon into a lasting result. A free WhatsApp consultation is the simplest first step, in complete confidence.
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Related: Gastric balloon — full cost guide · Non-surgical weight loss options · Gastric sleeve · Healthy weight loss tips
SOURCES: National Library of Medicine, PubMed: "The Procedureless Elipse Gastric Balloon Program: Multicenter Experience in 1770 Consecutive Patients", Obes Surg. 2020 National Library of Medicine, PubMed: "Evaluating Weight Loss Efficacy in Obesity Treatment with an Ingestible Gastric Balloon", 2024
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Namık Yılmaz, Bariatric Surgeon. See Editorial Process. Last Updated: [18 August 2026]
Medical disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace a personal medical consultation. Weight loss results vary and depend on adherence to diet and lifestyle changes. Eligibility, risks and outcomes depend on individual clinical assessment. Consult a qualified doctor before making any treatment decision.
This article provides general information and does not replace an individual medical assessment, diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss decisions about your health and treatment with your treating clinician.
