A gastric balloon apparatus. An apparatus is disclosed that is insertable
into a patent's stomach for treatment of overweight. The balloon occupies
a volume of the gastric lumen to provide a sensation of fullness after
the consumption of only modest amounts of food. The balloon apparatus has
a basic toroidal shape to prevent blockage of the entrance or exit lumens
of the stomach and promote proper passage of food through the stomach,
while protecting the stomach lining from ulceration and irritation. A
series of toroidal balloons of graduated diameter may be joined by inner
and outer sleeves to define a funnel-shaped apparatus which expands when
food is ingested, thus satiating the patient with substantially reduced
quantity of food. A balloon storage and insertion apparatus also is
disclosed, whereby a gastric balloon according to the disclosure may be
pre-inflated and stored ion a tube for later use, whereupon the
pre-inflated balloon is deployed into the stomach. Various mechanisms are
disclosed for providing a pre-determined deflation of an inserted
balloon, permitting the deflated balloon to be excreted from the body.