Ara Keshishian Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS, FASMBS

I would rate Dr K as truly excellent. I am a person who is usually highly critical, and have become an informed consumer of health care, so I was very skeptical going in.

I had chosen Dr. Keshishian because of the many glowing reports I had heard about him on this site and personally from his patients. I had my consultation with Dr K in June 2001. I was immediately impressed with his caring manner, his patience with my questions, and his true desire to communicate everything I needed to know about the surgery (Gastric Reduction/Duodenal Switch). He was up front about the risks, and wasn't trying to sell me anything. He took his time with me, and I felt that I was viewed with great respect as a unique individual. This is still my impression of him six months post-op. He always remembers exactly who I am (the opera singer, sends his regards to my Mom, and kept reminding me to send him a tape of my singing till I did!

My impression
of his technical skills is extremely high. I was a revision surgery from a VBG, with a high BMI (67, lots of risk factors, and came through with no complications whatsoever. Post-op care and follow-up was superb. Dr. K is VERY particular about how his patients are treated in the hospital, and has his own wing where his standards and protocols are followed exactly. I have never received such excellent hospital care. He visited me several times a day. The only negative comment I would have would be somewhat inadequate pain control immediately post-op.

His office staff is wonderful: very responsive and caring. During my consultation I met with an LPN nurse, Dee Tinkle, who gave me truly excellent teaching about all aspects of the surgery, what to expect, how to prepare, aftercare, etc. I had consulted with another surgeon in CA, but ultimately decided not to use him because his office staff is so unresponsive and overworked that I was afraid for my post-op care. Whenever I've had to consult with Dr. K or his staff about a medical problem, I have received prompt attention. Dr. K himself personally called me several times when he couldn't reach me on one occasion.

I know that this survey expects some small negative to be applied towards the description of my surgeon or his staff, but honestly I would be lying! Dr. Ara Keshishian is spectacular. I can only tell you that the facility and staff and Dr. were all top notch! The care I received was exemplary. my surgery was in early may and I have lost 70 lbs. as of early August. I can eat what I want ( protein first ) and no one would know I had surgery from the amount I'm able to eat, unless I tell them. I live in Las Vegas and had surgery in Delano CA.
Dr. Kishishian flies in every month to hold a support meeting and see patients. His patients are a well educated group.
I would send any of my family to him for surgery.

My fist impression was that he was caring and deffintely not pushy about surgery.
My Impression did not change over time.
I would describe his office staff initialy as having very lacking. As a matter of fact my surgery I believe could have taken place 3 months earlier were it not for my papers being delt with improperly, but I think they have worked out many if their office kinks.
I can't think of anything I dislike about Dr. K.
I think their after care program has a lot to be desired.
Yes they have a structured aftercare program , but I do not feel well cared for.
Dr. K addressed the risks pretty well I feel he could have emphasized more on the recovery which is very difficult for me.
I would rate Dr. K as extemely competent.
I think both his surgical skills and bedside manners were great.

Dr.K was quite,real nice,never made a person feel bad about bigging so large and out of shape.At the end of our visit he shook my hand and said the pleasure was all his to have met me. My mind hasen't changed. The more I hear about this doctor and his staff.The more impressed I get.(Well then I guess my impression has changed !!!)..For the better.The staff was real nice. Some of the staff had, had the surgery so they were wonderful examlpes for us pre op patients. About liking him least? He seems just so geniune and I find nothing negotive about him at all.That he is concerned,great at what he does,you will get a sense of being in capable hands.After care is something that is discussed and available for us forever.Yes they do have a structured after care. The risks of the surgery are gone over and they have the pre op patients watch 2 short films then we sit with the coordinater and we can sak as many questions as we need too.The first appointment can last from 3 to 5 hours.So you never feel rushed.Plus no question is to silly to ask.Then we are explained about the complications many that could happen.Then a qick little quiz is given and from there you so the doctor.The quiz if for to see if you fully understood what was being told to you.I would rate this doctor a 12 on a scale from 1to 10 :).Well to me the surgical competence is first.But also making this whole life altering surgery a wonderful experience I think you need bedside manner too.

1. My first impression of him was a kind caring gentle soul.
2. My impression of him changed only to say he was very cautious and lookout for my best interest not the interest in his pocket.
3. His staff seems very busy but organized and sweet made my partner and I feel like family.
4. I could not find anything I didn't like.
5. Future patients need to know he isn't the type of doctor who is a jump in now surgeon. He is very cautious and takes every precaution.
6. The aftercare was emphasized often and said this is a lifetime commitment.
7. Yes a very structured aftercare program with set dates to have tests ran and to be re-check. The contract states there is a 24-hr phone line.
8. He and His nurse were very candid and forthcoming on the risks yet I believe this doctor will take every precaution.
9. I would rate this doctor/staff as a 10+.
10. Surgical competence, bedside manner, professionalism, humor was outstanding

Dr. Keshishian came up to my hometown (Eureka) to talk to his DS support group here, and to also talk to local doctors. I got a very good impression of him as a doctor. He was very good at explaining the procedures, and at answering all my questions. When I went for my consultation, everyone at the office was very nice. When I finally got in to see Dr. K (after the "class"), he did a quick exam, asked a few questions of me, and then talked to my husband about flying for about 5 minutes! That's men for you! LOL He seemed to be very compassionate when we talked about the problems I have now getting around, more so than most doctors I've been to. I was also very impressed when, after I made a date for the surgery, his office sent a packet of information to my PCP so that she would know what to watch for and what advice to give me, etc. I'll let you know more after my surgery!

Dr. K is the best! My mom and I had surgery with him on the same day. No complications. No complaints. Would do it over again in a heartbeat. His staff is spectacular and I felt really prepared going into surgery (well, I was prepared for everything except my dad fainting while I was in pre-op...I guess having my mom and I both undergoing surgery the same day was a little too much for his system to handle).

I'm 6 months out from surgery and shopping in the "regular" sizes at Wal-Mart for the first time in my entire life. I would like to lose 50 more pounds, but if the weightloss stopped tomorrow, I'd still be thrilled!

Dr.K and his staff is great. You couldn't ask
for a better crew.There is no one in his office that makes you feel like they are
talking down to you because you are big. I have gone to meetings on the first Tues. of
the month,and they are all there to answer
any question you may have.On insurance i have
straight medical and medicare,and i believe
it was oked the first time out.
I had to have some test run, because of the
other surgery i had had, and what i liked at
the hospital, is they have hospital gowns that fit me.LOL He really stresses the after
care,and the drinking of water,and the protein drink
Will have to let you know about the surgery
after i am home from the hospital.
wow, this is oct-02, and i still can't say enough about dr.k. it doesn't matter if it has been 2,4,or 6mths since you have seen him he knows your name.
i was in the hosp in june and had a friend call him to let them know i was in the hosp,his wife dawn called me to see how i was doing and not to let them do anything to me until they spoke to dr.k as our insides are arranged a little different now.i was lucky as the dr i had in hosp knew dr. k so he was aware of my insides. i had an ulcer, but it is gone and i am doing fine now.i am down about 87lbs now and loving it

Dr. Keshishian is a very caring surgeon. He is known as Dr. K by his patients. He makes sure you understand what the surgery entails - all the risks and what to expect. He has a book that all patients get. It becomes your guide to the procedure and what to expect during your hospital stay and at home after surgery. This is known by some as the "Gut Book".

Patients are required to attend at least one support meeting before surgery. He emphasises the support meetings after surgery.
His office staff is great. They work very hard to get insurance approval for his patients.
After surgery you have checkups at 1 week, 1 month, 3months, 6 months and 1 year. Blood tests are taken as needed.
I would rate him as a "10". He has great bedside manner and excellent surgical competence.
My only negative is the town of Delano. It is the Armpit of California. For out of towners you need to stay a total of about 10 days after surgery. That means after discharge from the hospital you need to stay in a motel for a few days. But the Delano Regional hospital is great.

Dr Keshishian literally saved my life I believe. His thoroughness, compassion and skill with the D/S surgery surpasses even what I was told by former patients of his. He is so easy to talk to and truly makes you feel so important.
I knew as soon as I met him that my life would be forever changed, and it has :)

His office staff is amazing. They truly care about the patients and you feel that instantly. Dee is marvelous, there is not enough to be said about her, except thank goodness she is there to answer all your questions an she knows of what she speaks, she was also one of Dr. K's patients as well as his nurse.

Both Dr K and Dee are very forthright about the complications, and the chance that they can happen to anyone, but they take all necessary precautions to avoid what they can, and what they cant avoid, they take care of immediately and with expertise.

All in all if you want a surgeon who cares, who has expertise in this field, who shows true compassion for all his patients, then Dr. Keshishian is for you. :)