A method for treatment of obesity involves implantation of bulking devices
within the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) to inhibit swallowing,
thereby limiting food intake and treating obesity. One or more bulking
devices are implanted within or near the UES to create a partial
obstruction, partially impair UES muscle function, or both. The bulking
devices make swallowing difficult, limiting the rate of food intake by a
patient, and discouraging the patient from quickly consuming an excessive
amount of food at one time.