A gastric tube (100,200) for use in a bariatric procedure, the gastric tube comprising: an elongate tube (110,210) having a proximal end portion (110a,210a) and a distal end portion (110b,210b), the elongate tube defining a lumen along a length thereof, the proximal end portion defining an opening (117,217) in communication with the lumen, the elongate tube including: a blunt tip (112,212) formed on the distal end portion; and an outer surface that extends between the proximal and distal end portions and defines a side opening (116a,116b,228) in communication with the lumen, the side opening configured and dimensioned for at least one of aspiration and irrigation; characterized in that the gastric tube further comprises: a cannulated plug (120,220) coupled to the elongate tube, the cannulated plug including: a proximal end (126a,226a) configured for connection to a vacuum source; and a distal end (126b,226b) configured for removable receipt in the opening of the proximal end portion of the elongate tube to control a flow of one of aspiration and irrigation through the lumen, wherein the cannulated plug includes a valve resiliently biased towards a closed position. an elongate tube (110,210) having a proximal end portion (110a,210a) and a distal end portion (110b,210b), the elongate tube defining a lumen along a length thereof, the proximal end portion defining an opening (117,217) in communication with the lumen, the elongate tube including: a blunt tip (112,212) formed on the distal end portion; and an outer surface that extends between the proximal and distal end portions and defines a side opening (116a,116b,228) in communication with the lumen, the side opening configured and dimensioned for at least one of aspiration and irrigation; a blunt tip (112,212) formed on the distal end portion; and an outer surface that extends between the proximal and distal end portions and defines a side opening (116a,116b,228) in communication with the lumen, the side opening configured and dimensioned for at least one of aspiration and irrigation; characterized in that the gastric tube further comprises: a cannulated plug (120,220) coupled to the elongate tube, the cannulated plug including: a proximal end (126a,226a) configured for connection to a vacuum source; and a distal end (126b,226b) configured for removable receipt in the opening of the proximal end portion of the elongate tube to control a flow of one of aspiration and irrigation through the lumen, wherein the cannulated plug includes a valve resiliently biased towards a closed position. a cannulated plug (120,220) coupled to the elongate tube, the cannulated plug including: a proximal end (126a,226a) configured for connection to a vacuum source; and a distal end (126b,226b) configured for removable receipt in the opening of the proximal end portion of the elongate tube to control a flow of one of aspiration and irrigation through the lumen, wherein the cannulated plug includes a valve resiliently biased towards a closed position. a proximal end (126a,226a) configured for connection to a vacuum source; and a distal end (126b,226b) configured for removable receipt in the opening of the proximal end portion of the elongate tube to control a flow of one of aspiration and irrigation through the lumen, wherein the cannulated plug includes a valve resiliently biased towards a closed position.