A self-inflating, intragastric balloon device is activated by addition of anactivating liquid into an acid or water soluble vessel located within theballoon. After an approximately pre-determined time period post-activation,the activating liquid breaches the vessel wall and causes contact between anacid in liquid form and an emissive substance within the balloon, causing itto inflate. The device is conveniently provided to medical personnel as partof a kit that further contains a syringe and the activating liquid. The devicealso can have acid or pepsin degradable portions that cause it to deflateafter residing in the stomach for a prolonged period of time during which itimparts a feeling of satiety in the patient.
