What ring size should be used in association with vertical gastric bypass?

The placement of a ring circumferentially around the gastric pouch of a vertical gastric bypass has the advantage of permanently fixing the size of the gastric outlet and slowing the passage of food into the jejunum. Opinion remains divided about the use of rings, and the optimal size.

Since 1990, we have consistently placed a ring at the time of gastric bypass surgery and have an experience with three ring sizes (circumference); 5.5 cm, 6.0 cm and 6.5 cm. Patient data has been recorded prospectively in a computerized database. We have reviewed the outcomes of all patients with at least 12 months follow-up with respect to quality of eating, the need for subsequent ring removal and weight loss.

Quality of eating was better in those with the larger rings. Ring removal was undertaken in 7 (14%) of those with a 5.5-cm ring, in 11 (5.1%) with a 6.0 cm ring and in 3 (2%) with a 6.5-cm ring (P<0.05). Ring removal led to a median recorded weight gain of 6.8 kg (-4.13 kg to 32.2 kg). When only those 415 patients in whom the ring was still in situ and there was no known staple-line disruption were considered (5.5 cm - 50, 6 cm - 215, 6.5 cm -150), there was no difference in the weight loss achieved and maintained out to 5 years, although there was a trend for this to be better in those with the larger rings.

We conclude that the inclusion of a ring placed around the gastric pouch of a vertical gastric bypass is beneficial for maintenance of weight loss, and a ring size of 6.5-cm circumference should be recommended.