Ara Keshishian Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS, FASMBS

Dr. K really seems to care about each of his patients. I felt like I was in very good hands. He was honest about what to expect. Encouraging about what would get better and compassionate when he knew it might hurt (those drain tubes). I feel I made an excellent choice in Doctors.
They really emphasize aftercare and I wish I lived closer and could take better advantage of the meetings.
I was very appreciative of the time his staff took with me on the phone explaining everything and for their efforts in getting my insurance coverage.
All in all I have only good things to say of this office and staff.

Dr Keshishian is a very caring and talented person .

7/28/00 -- Met with him today. He spent almost 2 hours with me and my family! His staff went home and he was still there talking with us! Is he a "charmer?" No. He seems shy about taking compliments. But he is nice and funny and SUPER knowledgeable. I definitely feel safe having him do my surgery.

<br>9/22/00 -- Dr. K is the best! Always there if you have a question, and super comforting just before, and after surgery! I have to admit, I DO NOT recommend WLS for everyone, it is very hard on the body, and its just a tool, not a cure for obesity. But if you insist on having the surgery, Dr. K is a great choice. Please feel free to email me if you want to know more about Dr. K. or the surgery in general

<br>7/27/02
Well, its been almost 2 yrs. since my surgery and I still have the highest regard for Dr. K. I will say that he doesn't use stapes anymore, thank goodness, my scares from them are still very visible. Also, my Incision scar is HUGE! Ask him to try to make yours as thin as possible ;o) When I went for my 18 month check up all my labs were picture perfect. Once again, my wife and I spent so much time chatting with him that he had to lock up the office, everyone else had gone home! He must be doing well, because he has a bunch of extra office staff, and has hired a doctor to help with his practice. Also, the front office decor is getting a major upgrade! My only complaint? He's so far away from where I live! Oh, well I knew that getting into this, and he's worth the drive!
<br>2/17/03
I can't believe it, but I'm going back under the knife for a revision! My surgery is scheduled for March 20th. At this point I'm trying to decide between doing it open (with a scar revision) or Lap (quicker recovery, but more than double the time under).
<br>3/20/03
Well, insurance has stalled my revision, but I've got my fingers crossed that it all works out...

My first contact with the office staff was very professional and helpful. They offered information and assistance while I was fighting with my original insurance carrier to get approval for the DS.

When I finally decided to switch insurance carriers, they provided a list of those carriers they worked with and who had been approving the DS procedure. I was lucky enough to find a carrier from that list on the approved list from my employer.

Within 72 HOURS of the switch, the office staff was able to provide me with an estimate of my out-of-pocket expenses, a preliminary approval, and a date for a consultation.

Our initial meeting with Dr. Keshishian was yesterday, 3/11/03. It took less than two minutes for him to put both Susan (my support person) and me at ease. We found him to be very knowledgable, personable, and willing to answer any of our questions in detail, no matter how far-fetched they may have been. Within 10 minutes I KNEW this was my surgeon. When the consultation was completed about an hour later, we knew exactly what to expect from him and what he expected from me.

He did not trivialize the possible risks, complications, and side effects of the surgery, nor did he try to make them seem so overwhelming as to try and scare us off. He stated each possibility matter-of-factly, what were the possible causes, and what he and his staff did to minimize or eliminate each.

He has a structured after care program that all patients are required to agree to before he will accept them for surgery. This is at an additional cost not normally covered by your insurance. He considers proper aftercare as important as the surgery itself.

For others considering the DS procedure and who have done any research into its development, the names DeMeester and Hess should be well known. It was their work that led to this procedure. I was able to learn that there are at least two DS surgeons in California who have worked with Dr. Douglas Hess, considered the "father" of the DS. They are Dr. Gary Anthone and Dr. Ara Keshishian. Comments from his other patients would indicate they feel Dr. Keshishian is on par with either Dr. Anthone or Dr. Hess. My impressions after one meeting is that the confidence and praise is well-earned.

Over-all, from this initial meeting and the comments we heard during a support group meeting, Dr. Keshishian is an excellent surgeon with that sought after combination of outstanding surgical skills and a winning bedside manner. Both his patients and staff say he has a passion to make life better for his patients through his knowledge of the DS procedure.

I, for one, believe that is true.

Dr. Keshishian is concerned with all questions you may have. He continually asks how you are feeling and wants to know what questions you may have. During my stay at Delano Medical Center, he checked ever day and seemed truly dedicated to my recovery. There was an educational class to attend prior to surgery. A notebook was given out to help continue your education. There is also a website to go to and monthly meetings in several locations to go to. The closest one to me is 1 1/2 hours away and is not that convenient to get to. I wish there was one closer to the Modesto Area.

The only negative experience was pain medication after surgery. After being taken off iv meds, it was difficult for about 4-5 days for me. Dr. K changed my medication. This was not the case with all patients as some had no pain. After that, the medication provided was alright.

Overall I would rate Dr. K from 1 - 10 being the best as a 10. The Delano Med Center was great also.

I first met Dr. Keshishian in November of 2001, when he did surgery on a good friend of mine. I do not have a good opinion of hospitals or Drs. in general. I went with my friend to be her support person, but more so, her advocate while she was in the hopital to make sure she was properly cared for.

When we met with Dr. K in his office the day before surgery he could see that I had concerns. He took a lot of time to talk to me and to address each of my concerns. I have never had that experience with a Dr. before. It was refreshing. I reemember thinking, Wouldn't be nice if all Drs. were like this.

Dr. Keshishian's office staff was just as nice and as considerate as he was. They all seemed to genuinely care about each person that was there to see the Drs.

Once my friend had her surgery, I found the hospital and the staff in the bariatric wing to be just as kind and as considerate. Not only did they do everything they could to help my friend, but they also did everything they could to make me comfortable as her support person. Again I thought wouldn't it be nice if all hospitals opperated like Delano Reginal Medical Center does.

Because of my own size, several of the nurses asked me if I also would have the surgery, my answer was a resounding NO. It took me about ten months to decide that this was the only way I was ever going to achieve a normal lifestyle. There is no one I would have do this surgery for me other than Dr. K.

Dr. Keshishian in my opinion is the best Dr./surgeon that I have ever met. Of course this is just my opinion. No individual Dr. can be perfect for everyone, but I am glad Dr. K will be my surgeon for the gr-ds.

First impression:
Dedicated, compassionate. I am pre-op at this time.

Only enhanced by the experience/s of others

Asst Dee (R.N.) has had the surgery, is helpful. Large staff, some in training.

0

That he really cares

It's highly important

Appointments & meetings

Matter-of-factly

I'm putting my life in his hands; he's done near 1,000 of the GR-DS's.

I've talked with dozens of his patients, who adore him for both reasons. He's a jewel.

I haven't actually meet with Dr. Keshishian one on one yet, but my uncle had surgery performed by him on December 5, 02 and I have attended some of his support meetings. My appt. with him is on February 13, 03

Dr. Kekeshian from Delano CA performed my Duodenal switch surgery. He is a skilled,caring, and compassionate surgeon. The staff is supportive. For me, after care was a bit of a problem as I live several hours drive from where he practices. Blessedly, I had no post-surgical complications.

So far, I have mainly had contact with Dr Keshishian and his office through the support of my partner who will be having the GRDS surgery before me. I was especially impressed with Dawn, Dr K's wife and patient educator. She presented an excellent in-depth view of the surgical procedure, it's risks, the lifestyle changes required following the surgery, and the aftercare support program provided within this practice; and, then she was open to many questions. Although our visit with Dr K was alittle shorter than anticipated, he presented a very caring and concerned regard of my partner's health status and challenges (CFIDs, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain). He really emphasizes the importance of exercise following surgery to prevent postop risks and to help lose and maintain wt loss.

The biggest challenge facing us right now, is getting Blue Cross approval (previously no problem for GBDS procedure; but presently BC is denying it). Dr K assured us that his practice is diligently working to get BC to see the benefit of this procedure. We have decided that we will wait for this WLS, as the other ones do not fit our idea of healthy wt loss and living. We really appreciate his efforts!!!

Another bonus during our recent visit to Delano, was being taken on tour by Alfred, the Medical Social Worker, who was recently one of DR K's WLS patients. He gave us a great account of what to expect from the surgery and how accomodating the staff and Dr K are to GRDS patients.... they are even establishing a new wing for his patients.

It was a very long journey for us (11 hours), but very well worth it. We are very excited and look forward to future encounters and surgery!!!!