The gastric balloon you swallow.
No surgery. No anaesthesia.
The Allurion Gastric Balloon is placed in a single 15-minute outpatient appointment — no endoscopy, no sedation, no hospital stay. Clinically proven weight loss, available now in Ottawa.
The world's first swallowable gastric balloon
The Allurion Elipse Gastric Balloon is a soft, fluid-filled balloon that sits in your stomach, reducing its capacity and creating a persistent feeling of fullness. Unlike every other gastric balloon on the market, it requires no endoscopy and no surgical procedure of any kind.
You swallow it as a capsule. It inflates in your stomach. After approximately 16 weeks, it deflates automatically and passes naturally — no removal procedure required.
Read the full clinical explainer →From consultation to results — step by step
Free Consultation
Your medical team reviews your health profile, BMI, and goals to confirm eligibility and answer every question you have — before any commitment is made.
Swallow the Capsule
At your 15-minute placement appointment, you swallow a small capsule containing the deflated balloon. No fasting, no sedation, no hospital admission required.
Balloon Inflates
Once X-ray confirms correct placement, the balloon is filled with approximately 550ml of fluid through a thin catheter, which is then removed. You leave the same day.
Programme Begins
Your six-month programme of dietary guidance, nutritional coaching, and regular medical check-ins starts immediately. The balloon supports — your habits sustain.
Balloon Passes Naturally
At approximately 16 weeks, the balloon deflates automatically through a time-activated valve and passes through the digestive system. No procedure. No clinic visit.
Results That Last
The final two months of coaching consolidate the habits built during the balloon phase. Clinical data shows 95% weight maintenance at 12 months in programme completers.
Results backed by published research
The Allurion programme has been studied across more than 1,770 patients in 19 international obesity centres across 24 countries. The data is consistent: meaningful weight loss, without surgery, without anaesthesia, and with strong long-term maintenance when the full programme is completed.
Ottawa Health Center is the only Allurion-certified provider in the Ottawa and Gatineau region. Certification means our clinical team has been trained and assessed in the full Allurion programme protocol.
Read our safety and evidence review →Is the Allurion Balloon right for you?
Eligibility is always confirmed through an individual clinical assessment. The following are general criteria — your consultation will determine whether the programme is appropriate for your specific health profile.
Generally suitable
- Adults with a BMI of 30 or above
- Adults with a BMI of 27 or above with weight-related health conditions
- Those who want to avoid surgery or anaesthesia
- Those who have not responded adequately to diet and exercise alone
- Adults in Ottawa, Gatineau, and the Outaouais region
- Those committed to completing the full six-month programme
May not be suitable
- BMI below 27
- Previous gastric surgery or significant stomach anatomy changes
- Severe or uncontrolled gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Certain medications that affect gastric motility
- Pregnancy or planning pregnancy during the programme
- Specific gastrointestinal conditions — assessed individually
Every patient is assessed individually. If you are unsure whether you qualify, a free consultation with our medical team is the right place to find out.
Allurion vs other weight loss options
| Allurion BalloonOttawa's only provider | Gastric Sleeve Surgery | GLP-1 Medications | Diet Programme Alone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Procedure required | None — swallowed as capsule | Major surgery under general anaesthesia | Weekly injection | None |
| Hospital stay | No — 15-minute outpatient | 2–3 days minimum | None | None |
| Recovery time | 1–2 weeks adjustment | 4–6 weeks | Minimal | None |
| Average weight loss | 10–15% body weight | 25–35% body weight | 10–15% body weight | 3–5% (short-term) |
| Reversible | Yes — passes naturally | No — permanent | Yes — stop medication | N/A |
| Ongoing cost | One programme fee | Surgery + long-term supplements | Ongoing monthly prescription | Variable |
Data based on published clinical evidence. Individual results vary. Read our detailed Allurion vs Gastric Sleeve comparison →
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Allurion Balloon cost in Ottawa?
The Allurion programme is priced in line with the Canadian market range for the complete six-month programme. We provide a personalised quote during your free consultation. Read our cost guide for more context.
Is the Allurion Balloon covered by OHIP or insurance?
The Allurion programme is not currently covered by OHIP. Some private insurance plans may cover part of the programme cost — we recommend checking your policy. Our team can discuss payment options during your consultation.
How soon will I start losing weight?
Most patients begin losing weight within the first two weeks once the initial adjustment period passes. Weight loss is typically most rapid between weeks three and ten, when the balloon's physical effect and dietary changes work together consistently.
Will I regain weight after the balloon passes?
Patients who complete the full six-month programme — including the two-month post-balloon coaching phase — show 95% weight maintenance at 12 months in clinical data. The programme is designed to build lasting habits, not depend solely on the device.
Can I eat normally during the programme?
The first week involves a liquid diet, followed by soft foods in week two. From week three, solid foods are reintroduced gradually. Portion sizes are naturally reduced by the balloon. The programme includes detailed dietary guidance for each phase.
Is Ottawa Health Center really the only Allurion provider in Ottawa?
To our knowledge, Ottawa Health Center is the only Allurion-certified clinic serving the Ottawa and Gatineau region. Allurion certification requires specific training and assessment in the full programme protocol — not all clinics offering intragastric balloons offer the Allurion specifically.
Ready to find out if the
Allurion programme is right for you?
A free, no-obligation consultation with our medical team is the right starting point. We will review your health profile, confirm eligibility, and give you a clear picture of what the programme involves — before any decision is made.
- No pressure, no commitment required
- Full clinical assessment of your eligibility
- Honest answers to all your questions
- Response within one business day