Ara Keshishian Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS, FASMBS
25 yr Experience
25 yr in Bariatrics
25 yr in Laparoscopic Surgery
25 yr in Laparoscopic Bariatrics
90% Practice is Bariatrics
Min Age of Patient is 13
Max Age of Patient is 75
25 yr Experience
25 yr in Bariatrics
25 yr in Laparoscopic Surgery
25 yr in Laparoscopic Bariatrics
90% Practice is Bariatrics
Min Age of Patient is 13
Max Age of Patient is 75
I was among the first few 100 DS surgeries Dr. K performed in early 2000-2001... I lost the 100lbs and went from 213lbs to 113lbs (was too skinny for me)... in the last 10 years I’ve put back on about 10lbs every 3 years and now sit at my max goal weight of 145 (size 6)... with the ability to easily lose weight if/when I desire to... Dr. K has been an amazing Doctor over the past nearly 20 years... his memory (or notes) are immeasurable!... His bedside manner is perfect... and my results have lasted... I pay cash out of pocket to see him annually sometimes more for my check-ups... and I don’t blink an eye to do so... I often wish he was my GP... or that my other Dr.’s were like him... Both my sister and my cousin whom had at nearly 200lbs to lose also had the surgery as well and neither regret it... both have also maintained their weight loss for nearly 15 years... You won’t regret having Dr. K as your choice for DS (weight loss) surgery!
2 people found this helpful
I had my duodenal switch in Feb of 2001. Dr Keshishian is not only a highly superb surgeon, but he is unusual in his true caring of his patients. He is like family to me. He gave me life and has again saved my life on other occasions when my local doctors missed or wouldn't listen. He trusts that you know your own body and truly LISTENS to his patients. I cannot express how much I admire and yes, love this doctor! I would recommend anyone even considering a bariatric surgery, to at least speak to him and get a true idea of your options and what would be best for you individually.
1 person found this helpful
2016 Update: I had my DS surgery in 2001. I have maintained my weight loss and I am in great health. This has been accomplished (I believe) because....
1). Dr. K uses the Hess Method which basically honors, yet adjusts, my personal body's digestion mechanics.
2). Dr. K continues to be accessible to me and continues to educate me on how to walk through this DS Journey with the most current information.
3). I continue to access Dr. K and take advantage of his Blogs, Webinars, Facebook page, Website, Facebook Live, email, Group meetings..... By staying "in the loop" and continuing the TEAM relationship of Doctor/patient it keeps me making appropriate choices more often.
4). I made a brilliant decision in 2001 with my choice of Surgery and Surgeon. This is a FOREVER kind of decision and Dr. Keshishian continues to guide me through each stage. My respect for him continues to grow.
3 people found this helpful
Just a bit of an update. Surgery was 12 years ago. My BMI is in the normal range. I am healthy, I have never had a major DS issue. I don't 'diet'...but do try to make good choices. I take my supplements. I still attend occasional support meetings and DS online support groups to stay "in the know". I no longer do regular office visits with Dr. K...but still feel he is available to me by simply attending a support meeting or dashing off a quick question email. Thought someone would appreciate hearing from someone who is a DS Dinosaur. (haha)
5 people found this helpful
My first contact to the office of Dr. K was by email. To my utter surprise Dee Tinkle called me at home. We had a long talk with her answering my many questions. At no time did I feel like Dee was trying to "sell" me on the surgery. She was just answering my questions and letting me form my own opinions. I then attended a support group meeting. Dr. K was there and answered many questions. What struck me, was his honesty. Once again, not trying to "sell" the surgery, just answering the questions. And If he didn't know the answer he said "I don't know" an honest reply. When I had my consult with him, I felt like a human being on his table. He asked questions and really listened to the answers. He isn't just willing to talk to your support people, he wants to. I felt like he wasn't just doing surgery, but treating the whole person. While I was in the hospital, Dr. K popped in several times a day. He is coming in and checking on you, not just reading about you from a chart! Dr. K is building a practice at Delano that is starting to explode. He has excellent surgical skills combined with bedside manner & compassion. What more could a person ask for?
2 people found this helpful
For anyone who like me has been hoping and praying for a chance to find the right doctor who would be willing to convert a gastric bypass to a DS, contact Dr. K right away. I had my original RNY in 2001 and although I was able to keep off about 100lbs, I was still very obese at 5'3 and 228lbs and could not stop gaining and losing the same 10lbs over and over again. On June 24, 2016, Dr. K did my revision and in just two months, I have already lost 40lbs. I live in Florida and even if Dr. K was on the other side of the world, I would have travelled to have this miracle worker put his magic hands on me. Dr. K is a genius, a true professional, a kind heart and genuine soul. Dr. K'S office staff are like angels guiding patients through the entire process. I could never thank this man for what he has done for me and countless others.
1 person found this helpful
Dr. K saved my life! He is very passionate about helping his patients, is an expert in his field, and saves the lives of his patients. His staff is awesome as well! I highly recommended Dr. K and am very happy with the Duodenal Switch procedure he does. He is the ONLY doctor that does this particular procedure in So Cal! Go see him if you are morbidly obese!
1 person found this helpful
My experience with Dr. Keshishian has been unlike any medical experience before. I have never been treated with such consideration, respect and knowledge. He is compassionate and passionate about helping people get past obesity to a healthy place. I have so much gratitude for Dr. Keshishian and his staff.
1 person found this helpful
I couldn't ask for better. Highly skilled, extremely intelligent and knowledgeable, but also funny and compassionate; not only do you get the best medical care from Dr. "K", you get the best human care, also. He responds to emails, texts, and phone calls, usually within a few hours. He'll go out of his way to see you--meeting me once at 11pm at on a weeknight when my incision was still not closing and I lived 200 miles away. He is a nice man, a great surgeon, and kind. You just can't go wrong with Dr. K.
1 person found this helpful
Dr. K was amazing! He was blunt and to the point, but i really liked that about him. He persuaded me to have the DS instead of the VSG, and I am so grateful. I had a few issues in the hospital, and he was there for support and encouragement accompanied by his dry sense of humor.....it was very reassuring. I couldn't imagine having gone through this experience with anyone else. He is an expert in his field and also handles many revisions. I would recommend him to anyone in California.