No, the Allurion Balloon is not covered by Medicare or Private Health Insurance.

There are health conditions that may disqualify someone from having an Allurion Balloon. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Hiatus hernia
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Bleeding disorders
• Pregnacy
• Breast feeding
• Previous gastrointestinal surgeries Eg Fundoplication, LSG or Gastric bypass
• Allergies to Silicone
• BMI over 35 with co morbidities
• Severe reflux or heartburn
• Certain medical conditions that may complicate the use of Allurion balloon.

Book a free consultation with the NV Health team to see if the Allurion balloon is suitable for you.

The insertion of the Allurion Balloon at NV Health is a quick and straightforward process. It begins with you swallowing a capsule, about the size of a large vitamin, which contains the deflated Allurion Balloon. This procedure is performed by our experienced gastroenterologist and a nurse in a radiology department, ensuring utmost precision and care.

Once the capsule reaches your stomach, the balloon is filled with a sterile solution via a thin tube. This process takes less than 15 minutes and is done without any need for surgery or anesthesia, making it a minimally invasive option. We also conduct three X-ray checks: before the insertion to ensure safety, after the capsule reaches the stomach to confirm correct positioning, and after the balloon is inflated to verify its proper placement.

The balloon then remains in your stomach for about 16 weeks, occupying space and promoting a feeling of fullness, which helps in reducing hunger. After this period, the balloon automatically deflates and safely passes through your digestive system. This innovative method is a key part of our weight management program, offering a simple yet effective solution to kickstart and accelerate your weight loss journey.

With the Allurion Balloon and NV Health's comprehensive health coaching, individuals typically experience a loss of 10% to 15% of their body weight (12.8 kgs on average). 

Yes, you can exercise with the Allurion Balloon. At NV Health, we recommend low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling to complement your weight loss journey. Regular exercise enhances the results of the Allurion Program and boosts your overall health. Our team can help design a workout plan that suits your needs and fitness level.

Our NV Health team recommends walking for 10 minutes after a meal. This can aid digestion and reduce blood sugar levels.

While you have the Allurion balloon in place, you cannot do extreme activities like skydiving, scuba diving, or bungee jumping.

While it is possible to drink alcohol, it is not recommended along with caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine can irritate the lining of your stomach, stimulating acid secretion, which increases your risk of heartburn.

From a weight loss perspective, it is also important to be mindful of the calories in alcohol. To stay on track with your weight loss goals, it may be helpful to establish clear limits for your alcohol consumption.

After the placement of the Allurion Balloon, some patients may experience nausea or mild abdominal pain and, in rare cases, vomiting. These side effects are typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relief and usually diminish as your body adjusts to the balloon.

At NV Health, our skilled nurses and dietitians deliver thorough pre- and post-placement guidance, along with practical, personalized advice, to minimise side effects and ensure a comfortable, effective weight loss journey with the Allurion Balloon.

Most patients successfully use the Allurion Balloon with minimal risks. Still, in rare instances, issues can arise, including:

• Intolerance requiring early removal (2-3% of cases)
• Inability to swallow the ballon (1% of cases).
• Non-deflation - necessitating a gastroscopy to deflate the balloon. 
• Dehydration - a manageable risk, treated with IV hydration by our NV Health nurse or at a hospital.