Magnetic anchoring devices are disclosed herein. Expandable devices that
are inserted into the stomach of a patient are attached to its interior
wall by magnetically coupling. Such expandable devices, like inflatable
balloons, comprise at least one magnetic device, which may be a magnet, a
magnetizable material, or a magnetic metal. The magnetic device may be
positioned on the external or interior surface of the expandable device
or may be integral thereto. The magnetic device is magnetically coupled
to a magnetic anchor positioned on a surface of the stomach wall. In this
way, the expandable devices are anchored to the stomach walls, preventing
migration of the device to other areas of the body where they may become
obstructions and pose health risks.