A marking apparatus includes a selectively inflatable balloon. The balloon
includes an external lumen adapted for connection to a vacuum source. The
external lumen includes ports for creating a vacuum at the ports
sufficient to draw walls of the gastric cavity into contact with the
external lumen. The balloon is further provided with RF energy delivery
devices. In accordance with an alternate embodiment, a marking apparatus
includes an elongated, hollow body, the hollow body including a proximal
end and a distal end. The hollow body includes at least one suction
trough in which a plurality of holes is disposed to draw suction on
tissue. The at least one suction trough extends along a substantial
portion of the hollow body as it extends from its distal end to its
proximal end.