An articulating endoscopic instrument is adapted for properly orienting the stomach for cutting and stapling in an efficient manner. The instrument includes a body member having a first end and a second end, a plurality of suction holes along the body member in fluid communication with a suction inlet at the first end of the body member for the creation of suction along the body member and an articulating joint positioned along the body member. A method for gastric reduction surgery is achieved by inserting an articulating endoscopic instrument within the stomach and articulating the articulating endoscopic instrument to generally assume the shape of the relaxed stomach, applying suction through the articulating endoscopic instrument to draw the stomach tissue into contact with the articulating endoscopic instrument, articulating the articulating endoscopic instrument to a desired orientation and completing the gastric reduction surgery.