Metabolic & bariatric care · Austin, South Austin & Cedar Park

Gastric Balloons.

NuSelf Bariatrics is dedicated to helping patients achieve their long term weight loss goals for healthier and happier lives. Are you ready to embark on a transformative weight loss journey? Gastric balloons offer a safe and effective solution for those seeking to shed excess weight without surgery. In this article, we'll explore three popular gastric balloon options – Obalon, Orbera, and Allurion – and compare and contrast their features to help you make an informed choice.The Gastric Balloon is an innovative weight loss procedure when combined with NuSelf lifestyle program could deliver great results.

Allurion Gastric Balloon
Manufacturer product image

Obalon, Orbera, and Allurion – A Brief Overview

Helping you feel satisfied with smaller portions

A gastric balloon temporarily occupies space in the stomach. It can help you feel full with smaller portions and may slow the movement of food out of the stomach. This gives you a period of added appetite support while you build routines that can continue after the balloon is gone.

A balloon does not remove ghrelin-producing stomach tissue or bypass the intestine. Its main effect is to support fullness and reduce food intake; it should not be described as creating the same hormonal changes as gastric bypass or duodenal switch. As weight decreases, metabolic health may improve, but the amount of weight loss and the health response differ from person to person.

Different balloon systems have different eligibility, placement and removal requirements. Allurion is swallowed and designed to empty and pass naturally, whereas other balloons may require endoscopy. Your consultation establishes which system is appropriate and explains the treatment period, symptom management, nutrition and follow-up. The plan after the balloon is just as important as the placement itself: continued support helps you maintain results and health.

Obalon Balloon

  • Procedure: Obalon is a non-surgical gastric balloon system that involves swallowing a series of small, gas-filled balloons.
  • Number of Balloons: Typically, three balloons are ingested over a few weeks.
  • Duration: Obalon balloons are removed after six months.
  • Support: During treatment, you'll receive professional dietary and lifestyle counseling.
  • Substantial weight loss and improvements in metabolic health are possible. Results depend on your starting health, procedure, nutrition, follow-up and the time since treatment. Your surgeon will discuss a realistic expectation for you, including how progress is measured and maintained.
  • Placement and removal requirements differ by product. Obalon uses swallowed gas-filled balloons but requires endoscopic removal; confirm current availability with the practice.

Orbera Balloon

  • Procedure: Orbera is a single intragastric balloon placed via endoscopy.
  • Duration: The balloon remains in the stomach for six months.
  • Support: You'll receive a comprehensive support program that includes diet and exercise guidance.
  • Substantial weight loss and improvements in metabolic health are possible. Results depend on your starting health, procedure, nutrition, follow-up and the time since treatment. Your surgeon will discuss a realistic expectation for you, including how progress is measured and maintained.
  • Advantages: Minimal downtime and a shorter treatment period compared to surgery.

Allurion Balloon

  • Procedure: The Allurion balloon is swallowed as a capsule, which then inflates in the stomach.
  • The Allurion balloon is swallowed as a capsule, filled after its position is confirmed and designed to empty and pass naturally after approximately four months. It is part of a supervised lifestyle program. Routine placement does not require surgery, endoscopy or anesthesia.
  • Support: A dedicated app and virtual support are available to help you stay on track.
  • Substantial weight loss and improvements in metabolic health are possible. Results depend on your starting health, procedure, nutrition, follow-up and the time since treatment. Your surgeon will discuss a realistic expectation for you, including how progress is measured and maintained.
  • Advantages: No endoscopy or anesthesia is required, and it's a shorter-term commitment.

Comparing and Contrasting the Balloons

  • Procedure: Obalon involves swallowing multiple balloons, Orbera uses a single endoscopic procedure, and Allurion relies on a swallowed capsule.
  • Duration: Obalon and Orbera balloons stay in the stomach for six months, while Allurion is a shorter-term option likely for 16 weeks.
  • Support: All three options offer some form of dietary and lifestyle support, with Allurion emphasizing virtual assistance through an app.
  • Weight Loss: The average weight loss results are similar across all three options, with variations based on individual factors.
  • Ease of Placement: Obalon and Allurion do not require endoscopy, making them less invasive compared to Orbera.
  • Duration of Treatment: Allurion offers the shortest treatment duration, which may be appealing to some individuals.
  • Anesthesia: Orberra insertion and removal may require general anesthesia.

Making Your Choice

Choosing the right gastric balloon for weight loss depends on your preferences, lifestyle, and medical history. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your specific needs and provide personalized guidance. Whether you opt for Obalon, Orbera, or Allurion (when available), these innovative gastric balloons can be a valuable tool on your journey toward a healthier, happier you.

Cost of Gastric balloon

Gastric balloon treatment is commonly planned as self-pay. Our team can review your benefits and provide a written program quote and financing information. Call 866-512-5121 or book an appointment to discuss your options.

Is Gastric Balloon right for you?

  • The Gastric Balloon is a powerful tool in starting a life-long commitment to a healthier self, and in order to achieve long term success it is essential that you follow your nutrition and exercise guidelines recommended by our team. Along with our follow up and support, the lifestyle that you develop during the six months the balloon is in place will help you to maintain long term weight loss after the balloon is removed.
  • The ideal candidate is motivated, has a BMI between 30 and 40 and is willing to commit to our weight loss program guidelines.
  • The best way to determine if you would benefit from gastric balloon procedure would be to meet with Dr. Ganta in a consultation or a full consultation.

Current treatment considerations

Allurion received U.S. FDA approval in February 2026 for adults ages 22–65 with BMI 30–40 after at least one unsuccessful weight-loss program. It is used with a lifestyle program and is designed to empty and pass after approximately four months. Confirm the current NuSelf program and product-specific eligibility at consultation.

The experience behind your care

Dr. Sashidhar Ganta

Dr. Sashidhar Ganta

MD, FACS, FRCS, FRCSI

Founder & President · Robotic General and Bariatric Surgeon · Board-Certified · Yale Fellowship-Trained

20+ years. More than 6,000 bariatric patients. Advanced metabolic surgery and complex revisions.

Meet Dr. Ganta

A clear plan. One step at a time.

  1. Connect securely

    Arrange your secure portal access for records, results and private communication.

  2. Review benefits or self-pay

    Make the proposed treatment and expected patient responsibility clear.

  3. Meet your surgeon

    Review your health, compare suitable treatments and ask your questions.

  4. Make a personal plan

    Agree on preparation, timing, recovery and long-term follow-up.

Your next step

The life you want.
Let’s take the next step.

Meet your surgeon. Get answers about insurance and self-pay. Make a plan for your health—with a team that stays with you.

Education & professional credentials

A foundation of training. A commitment to advancing care.

Yale University
Yale University
American Board of Surgery
American Board of Surgery
American College of Surgeons
American College of Surgeons
Royal College of Surgeons of England
Royal College of Surgeons of England
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
New York Medical College
New York Medical College
Texas Medical Association
Texas Medical Association
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders
International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders

NuSelf Bariatrics

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Dr. Sashidhar GantaDr. Suraj Panjwani
Call 866-512-5121
NuSelf

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