The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endoluminally
performing gastroplasty. In one variation, the apparatus comprises a
sizing tube, and a steerable guide that may be reversibly disposed within
the sizing tube. In another variation, the sizing tube and steerable
guide are integrated into a single device. In one method of utilizing the
apparatus, a pouch is endoluminally formed within a patient's stomach,
thereby partitioning or reducing the stomach and restricting the flow of
food therethrough. The pouch may form a Vertical Banded Gastroplasty or
Magenstrasse and Mill in an endoluminal fashion. Advantageously, the
sizing tube or steerable guide may be used to properly size the
endoluminal pouch.