Clinically proven weight loss.
No surgery required.
Not everyone wants — or is suitable for — bariatric surgery. Ottawa Health Center offers effective, medically supervised weight loss programmes that deliver meaningful results without any surgical procedure, anaesthesia, or hospital stay. The right outcome, with far less risk.
Surgery is not the only
path to lasting weight loss.
Bariatric surgery produces significant weight loss — but it also carries real surgical risks, requires general anaesthesia, involves weeks of recovery, and is irreversible. For many patients, it is simply not the right option.
Non-surgical weight loss programmes have advanced considerably. Intragastric balloons, medically supervised nutrition, and structured behaviour change programmes now deliver clinically meaningful results — without putting patients through a surgical procedure. Published research across thousands of patients confirms their safety and effectiveness.[1]
The right programme depends on your health profile, your goals, and your preferences. Ottawa Health Center will help you find it.
| Non-Surgical Ottawa Health Center | Bariatric Surgery | |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure | None — or swallowed capsule | Major surgery |
| Anaesthesia | Not required | General anaesthesia |
| Hospital stay | None | 2–5 days |
| Recovery | 1–2 weeks adjustment | 4–8 weeks |
| Reversible | Yes | No — permanent |
| Avg. weight loss | 10–15% body weight[2] | 25–35% body weight |
Data based on published clinical evidence. Individual results vary.
Non-surgical weight loss
is right for most adults.
Our non-surgical programmes are suitable for a wide range of patients. If you have a BMI of 27 or above and want to lose weight without surgery, Ottawa Health Center can help.
Eligibility is always confirmed during your free consultation. The following are general indicators — not a definitive checklist.
Generally suitable
- Adults with BMI ≥ 30 (obesity)
- Adults with BMI ≥ 27 with weight-related health conditions
- Those who want to avoid surgery or anaesthesia
- Those who have not responded to diet and exercise alone
- Patients seeking a reversible weight loss option
- Those who need to lose weight before considering surgery
- Patients managing obesity-related conditions like diabetes or hypertension
May require further assessment
- BMI below 27
- Previous gastric surgery or significant stomach anatomy changes
- Severe uncontrolled GERD
- Pregnancy or planning pregnancy during the programme
- Certain gastrointestinal conditions — assessed individually
Every patient is assessed individually. If you are unsure, a free consultation is the right place to start.
Frequently asked questions
How effective is non-surgical weight loss compared to surgery?
Bariatric surgery produces greater total weight loss on average (25–35% body weight) compared to non-surgical options (10–15%). However, non-surgical programmes carry significantly lower risk, require no anaesthesia, and are fully reversible. For many patients — particularly those with a BMI under 40 or those with health conditions that increase surgical risk — non-surgical treatment is the more appropriate first choice. Evidence across thousands of patients confirms intragastric balloons produce clinically meaningful, sustained weight loss.[1]
Is the Allurion Gastric Balloon truly non-surgical?
Yes. Unlike other gastric balloons, the Allurion does not require endoscopy, sedation, or any surgical procedure for placement or removal. You swallow it as a capsule in a standard outpatient appointment. After approximately 16 weeks, it deflates automatically and passes naturally. No procedure of any kind is required for removal.
Can I combine the Allurion Balloon with a nutrition programme?
Yes — and for most patients, this is the recommended approach. The balloon provides the initial physiological kickstart, while the nutrition programme builds the dietary habits needed to sustain results after the balloon passes. The two programmes are designed to work together as part of the full six-month Allurion protocol.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed. You can book a free consultation directly through our website or by phone. Our team will contact you within one business day to arrange a convenient time at no obligation.
Are non-surgical programmes covered by OHIP?
Most non-surgical weight loss programmes are not covered by OHIP. Some extended health plans may cover elements such as nutritional counselling — we recommend checking your policy. Our team can discuss all programme costs and payment options during your consultation.
What happens after the Allurion Balloon passes?
The final two months of the six-month Allurion programme focus on consolidating the dietary habits built during the balloon phase. Clinical data shows that patients who complete the full programme maintain approximately 95% of their weight loss at 12 months.[3] Long-term outcomes depend significantly on the lifestyle changes made during the programme — which is why the nutrition and coaching component is essential.
Find the right
non-surgical option for you.
Book your free, no-obligation consultation and our medical team will review your health profile, confirm your eligibility, and recommend the programme that best fits your situation — with no pressure and no commitment required.
- No surgery, no anaesthesia, no hospital stay
- Free, no-obligation first consultation
- No referral needed
- Response within one business day
Clinical References & Sources
- [1] Marinos G, et al. "Endoscopic therapies for patients with obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Surgical Endoscopy. PMC10615978. Available at: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC10615978. Data: intragastric balloons achieved 7.6–14.1% total body weight loss vs 3.3–6.7% with lifestyle modification alone at 6 months, across 37 studies and 15,639 patients.
- [2] Ienca R, Al Jarallah M, Caballero A, et al. "The Procedureless Elipse Gastric Balloon Program: Multicenter Experience in 1770 Consecutive Patients." Obesity Surgery. 2020;30(9):3354–3362. doi:10.1007/s11695-020-04539-8
- [3] Caballero A, et al. "Weight Loss Maintenance 1 Year after the Swallowable Gastric Balloon." Obesity Surgery. 2025;35(9):3591–3598. doi:10.1007/s11695-025-08074-2