A porous weave of bioabsorbable filaments having an open mesh
configuration is formed into an oblate shape having dimensions greater
than the esophageal opening and gastric outlet of a stomach. The
resulting prosthesis is deployed in the stomach and is of a size to be
retained in the proximate portion thereof for exerting pressure on the
upper fundus. The prosthesis limits the amount of food that may be held
within the stomach, and exerts pressure on the fundus to create a
sensation of being full, resulting in weight loss.