Satiation devices and methods

Abstract

A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.

1 - 74 . (canceled) 
   
   
       75 . A satiation pouch designed to be attached to a patient's stomach adjacent the gastro-esophageal junction therein, for limiting the amount of food that can be consumed at one time, said pouch having walls that taper inwardly on progressing from a proximal opening to a smaller distal opening, the pouch being proportioned such that when the proximal opening is positioned at the distal end of a patient's esophagus, the distal opening is disposed in the proximal region of the stomach, and said proximal and distal openings being proportioned such that food ingested by the patient can remain in the pouch until broken down sufficiently for it to pass through the distal opening. 
   
   
       76 . The pouch of  claim 75  which is self expanding to a saucer shape. 
   
   
       77 . The pouch of  claim 75  which is self-expanding to an approximate funnel shape. 
   
   
       78 - 109 . (canceled)