Swallowable gastric balloon in Turkey

A swallowable gastric balloon is a soft balloon inside a capsule that you swallow with water. A thin tube stays attached, the position is confirmed on an X-ray, the balloon is filled with fluid through the tube and the tube is then pulled out. There is no endoscopy and no anaesthetic, and the whole appointment is short.

The device used for this in Turkey is the Allurion balloon, previously sold as the Elipse. It stays for around four months, after which a valve in it opens by design, the fluid drains and the empty balloon passes out through the bowel on its own. Nothing has to be taken out, which is the whole point of it.

1. 1

   Assessment

   Height, weight, medical history, medications and any previous stomach surgery. This is also when reflux, hernia and ulcer symptoms should be asked about, because they change whether the swallowed balloon is appropriate.
2. 2

   Swallowing the capsule

   You swallow the capsule with water while the thin tube stays out of your mouth. Some people need a little guidance to get it down; that is normal and there is no anaesthetic.
3. 3

   Confirming the position

   An X-ray confirms the capsule is in the stomach before anything is put into it. This step is not optional.
4. 4

   Filling and releasing

   Fluid goes in through the tube, a second X-ray checks the filled balloon, and the tube is gently pulled out. You are usually free to leave shortly afterwards.
5. 5

   The first days

   Nausea, cramping and vomiting are expected as the stomach adjusts. Anti-sickness medication is given routinely, and fluids come before soft food.
6. 6

   The programme

   Dietitian contact, a connected scale and an app are part of the package with this balloon. This is the part that determines the outcome, not the device.

• The appointment is short, the recovery is not. Swallowing takes under an hour. The difficult days come next, and flying home while vomiting is miserable. Ask the clinic how many days they want you to stay.
• Ask who provides the follow-up. Four months of dietitian contact is part of what you are paying for. Find out whether that is delivered remotely, in what language, and by whom.
• Ask about the app and the scale. They come with this balloon. Confirm they are included and that they will work where you live.
• Ask what happens at four months. The balloon passes on its own, but you should know what to expect, what is normal, and who to call if it is not.
• Take your medication list. Anti-inflammatories and some other drugs need review while a balloon is in place.

• Ask who assesses you before the balloon. A doctor should take the history, not a sales coordinator, because the contraindications are specific and easy to miss.
• Ask how many they place a year. And what proportion of patients ask for early removal, which for a swallowed balloon is a real question because removal means endoscopy.
• Ask about the dietitian. Their qualification, the language, and how often you will actually speak to them.
• Ask what they refuse. Previous stomach surgery, a large hernia and untreated reflux should all be reasons to say no.
• Ask about the emergency route. Specifically what to do if you develop persistent vomiting or abdominal pain once you are home.