Choosing the Allurion Balloon to be included in your weight loss journey has a host of benefits, and with our dedicated support we aim to provide you a safe and effective experience. However, there are some side effects that can occur, and it’s important to understand what they are, what’s normal, what side effects need greater medical assistance, and what to do if they happen. Here are the most typical side effects after having the Allurion Balloon placement.

For all instances where symptoms are extreme, see your health professional immediately. 

You can also discuss any concerns you have with symptoms with your doctor during follow-up appointments.

Nausea

Nausea and vomiting can happen for Allurion Balloon patients and is a completely normal reaction to having the procedure. This symptom, though, should not last longer than a few days and should not be significant in volume (if vomiting is occurring). 

To help assist with this symptom, we offer anti-nausea medication for patients, to take in the morning in the week prior to the balloon being inserted, as well as the morning of your placement.

If you’re feeling pain in your stomach along with the nausea and/or vomiting, or the symptoms feel debilitating (you are vomiting constantly, or it has lasted longer than two or three days, for example), then it could be having an adverse reaction to the balloon. Seek medical attention immediately if this is the case. 

Abdominal pressure

When you have your procedure we will talk to you about how to differentiate the feeling of pressure in the abdominal, compared to actual pain. The Allurion Balloon should not be a painful experience, at any stage. You may, however, feel bloated and experience some pressure in your stomach in the few days or weeks after it is inserted. If this becomes painful, particularly if you are having sharp pains, something is not working as it should. It could also be another health issue, that you’re attributing to the procedure, which can be dangerous (such as if you have appendicitis). No concern is too small, see a health professional as soon as possible.

Reflux and heartburn

In the weeks and months after the balloon placement you may experience some heartburn and reflux after eating and drinking, particularly with spicy foods, coffee or alcohol. Talk to your doctor during your follow-up appointments about what triggers your reflux or heartburn to find the most suitable way to treat it.

Fatigue

In the two or three days after the placement of the balloon, your ability to eat could be a little mitigated due to some of the other symptoms so you may experience sluggishness and weakness. However, your normal energy levels should return as your appetite returns. If there’s any long term aversion to food, or fatigue feels more chronic, see your doctor as soon as possible. 

What do I do if I think something has gone wrong with my balloon?

The Allurion balloon does not require surgery, endoscopy or anaesthesia and is widely considered to be a safe option for weight loss. However, it is still a medical procedure that comes with some measured risk. With that, it is worth understanding what to do should something go wrong with your balloon. 

Contact your doctor

If any symptoms occur that you aren’t comfortable with, or are concerned about, always err on the side of caution. Contact your doctor immediately to either arrange a follow up appointment or, if the circumstances call for it, go straight to Emergency. 

You will have follow-up appointments with your doctor, too, where you can bring up any non-urgent issues you’re having. 

Understand possible symptoms

From the moment you have your first appointment with your doctor, right through to the long term support you get from Newcastle Obesity Clinic, you’ll be given vital information on symptoms to expect, and symptoms to seek medical attention for. Sometimes it will be the pain or severity scale of what would otherwise be an expected symptom, making it a more dangerous situation. For example, you may expect to feel some bloating but if you have actual abdominal pain, something could be wrong. It’s important to talk with your doctor about understanding the differences in how these symptoms feel, and how to best explain your symptoms back to them. 

Don’t ignore symptoms

If you feel like something is wrong, it’s vital to be monitored by a doctor and to not ignore it. There are no silly questions, queries or concerns. We are available to discuss and check any symptom, particularly if it feels painful or is lasting longer than expected. Avoid searching the internet for your answers, and speak to a medical professional first and foremost.

Pause pain medications

Other than some paracetamol, avoid taking any pain medications if you experience some adverse reactions to the Allurion Balloon. There are a few reasons for this; it’s important to understand the problem before ingesting something that could potentially cause it to worsen, and it’s better to not mask any physical discomfort before being seen by your doctor. Being able to identify the discomfort, and severity of it, will make it easier to diagnose and prescribe a remedy.

It’s important to remember that complications with the Allurion balloon are rare, but if you have any concerns or symptoms, it’s better to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention promptly.