Intragastric device

A method for fabricating a swallowable intragastric balloon system, the method comprising:

• adhering a self-sealing valve system to a first half of a wall of a balloon by an adhesive with a shear force greater than about 40 N, the self-sealing valve system comprising a septum, a retaining structure, and a continuous ring, wherein the septum has a durometer that is less than a durometer of the retaining structure, wherein the continuous ring is configured to exert a compressive force on the septum;
• joining the first half of the wall of the balloon to a second half of the wall of the balloon, wherein either the first half of the wall of the balloon or the second half of the wall of a balloon comprises a hole;
• inverting the balloon through the hole;
• and
• applying a patch of a material to seal the hole, whereby a balloon having a smooth outer surface is obtained, wherein the balloon has a weight of less than about 15 g, wherein the balloon is configured have a shape upon full inflation selected from the group consisting of ellipsoid, spheroid, and oblate spheroid, and wherein the balloon is configured to have a volume of from about 90 cm3 to about 350 cm3 upon full inflation.

A method for inflating a swallowable intragastric balloon, comprising:

• providing a swallowable intragastric balloon system comprising a balloon, a self-sealing valve system, and an outer container, wherein the self-sealing valve system is attached to a wall of the balloon in a central lumen of the balloon, wherein the outer container is configured to be swallowed by a patient without assistance, wherein the outer container comprises a material and a structure configured to control timing of inflation of the balloon, and wherein the outer container contains the balloon in a compacted state;
• allowing the system to be swallowed by a patient in need thereof;
• degrading the outer container in a stomach of the patient;
• initiating inflation of the balloon;
• unfolding the balloon via inflation;
• and
• fully inflating the balloon, wherein the balloon is configured to have a volume of from about 90 cm3 to about 350 cm3 upon full inflation.