Abstract: The intra-gastric weight loss system apparatus and method of the present invention includes an intra-gastric elastomeric rubber balloon with self-sealing fill valve, to be placed and retrieved without surgery. As a benign space-occupying device, it will decrease gastric capacity to the point that saiety (the feeling of fullness) will occur after very little food has been consumed. Thus, the advantages of gastric and intestinal by-pass surgery will be realized, without surgery and the many resulting complications thereof. The elastomeric balloon is inflated with a liquid, preferably a saline solution containing an X-ray contrast media. The balloon is placed in a person's stomach by passing a naso-gastric tube through the mouth. The N-G tube has a previously placed nylon pull string through the lumen and back up the exterior. After this, a metal stylette is run down the lumen to very near the end of the N-G tube.