A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating obesity includes an
artificial fistula created between gastrointestinal organs such as
between the stomach and the colon. The method includes selecting an
implant comprising a passageway having an internal lumen with an inlet
end and an outlet end. The passageway is positioned passing through a
first wall of first gastrointestinal organ (for example, passing through
the wall of the stomach) and a second wall of a second gastrointestinal
organ (for example, passing through the wall of the large intestine) with
the inlet end disposed within an interior of the first gastrointestinal
organ and with the outlet disposed within an interior of the second
gastrointestinal organ.