Ara Keshishian Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS, FASMBS

I had my DS surgery 12 years ago with Dr. Keshishian and to this day it remains the best decision I ever made; both the surgery and the surgeon. My highest weight was 351 pounds and at 5'6" that was alot of weight for my frame, but I managed to carry it around for the better part of 25 years. I knew Dr K was the right choice for me the first time I met him because of his kindness, his sense of humor and his knowledge. He was the first person to ever make me believe the obesity wasn't totally my fault. My surgery was pretty uneventful. The surgery wasn't by any discription easy, nor were the next several weeks and months as I learned how to do everything differently.I had to learn how to not gulp, not eat fast, drink water, walk...all the things I had "unlearned". The most important thing for me was that Dr Keshishian walked every step of it with me. He encouraged and supported me when I needed it, repremanded me when I deserved it, but he was always there, good or bad. I lost 182 pounds in 2 years. I have regained 25 pounds of it recently after my thyroid went south on me, but overall I have had 12 years of living because of this surgery. I can't say I have done everything right, because that wouldn't be true. I neglected my calcium and supplements, and Dr K was there to catch me when I fell flat on my face and had to start all over. He has operated on me a couple of times since my DS for a pancreatitis/obstruction issue and then for a hernia. I know that if I need another surgery for any reason I will find someway to be where he is, because I know his skill level and I trust him completely. My recommendation for those looking for a surgeon is to do your homework, check out all surgeries and then pick the procedure and surgeon that fits you, don't let anyone talk you into it and do your self a favor and call Dr K, you won't regret it. My initial impression of Dr Keshishian was correct and my admiration of him has only increased over the last 12 years. He gave me my life back on January 3, 2000 and then taught me how to help others get their lives back as well, and I will forever be grateful to him for that.

Great Doctor, I would recommend him to my friends. He is a very caring doctor who listens. I sent him a question through email, and he called me right away. If you are looking for a good doctor who loves his work and truley wants to help your health, this is your doctor.

I don't think there is a better bariatric surgeon anywhere. I got the usual pre-op jitters and the only thing that really held me together was knowing I had the best, most experienced surgeon. Besides being a gifted surgeon, the man has a great sense of humor. He is a real gift to the bariatric community.

Want to start by saying how very much I appreciate Dr. K and how much he cares for his patients. I first spoke with him in Mid July and we discussed my options. Once I got in contact with his office I was given all the information I needed for pre op testing and I was given a surgery date of August 10. I couldn't believe how fast it all came together. Primarily because I was self pay and didn't have to fight my insurance company. I got my pre op labs and testing done and was very quickly on the road to California. I met with Dr. Keshishian in person on Monday Aug 8, registered with the hospital on Aug 9, and had my DS on August 10. My first day or two in the hospital is very hazy for me due to meds and surgery and whatnot. Dr. K insists that his patients have private rooms, so I did not have to worry about disturbing another patient and as a bonus, the room had two beds so they allowed my husband to sleep at the hospital in the second bed so that he could be with me around the clock. I had a very brief bout of pancreatitis, which was mostly irritating in that it extended my stay and the amount of time I had to be on the IV. The nurses at the hospital were amazing and very helpful. I was walking every two hours or so by day two and slowly increasing the number of laps I could do around the nursing station. Dr. K came to see me every day and really listened to my concerns and questions. He also hit it off with my husband so there was a fair amount of geeking out between the two of them while I just smiled and nodded, which was good for the husband who was pretty much bored to tears.

The whole point here is that I cannot recommend a surgeon higher than Dr. K. His staff is just amazing, the level of care and compassion his patients recieve in the hospital is nothing short of miraculous, and his willingness to answer email questions and concerns since I left the area has been very comforting.

Thanks, Dr. K!

I had surgery June 29,2001 with Dr Keshishian in Delano, CA. When I first started researching for WLS I really didnt know what to do or where to turn. I had heard about the RNY and frankly it scared the crap out of me. The idea of leaving a part of my stomach in that I was not going to be using anymore just freaked me out. Plus, I had heard a lot of horror stories about the side effects of this surgery and I really could not imaging living a normal life with having constant dirrahea and not being able to eat what I want. THen I saw a program of the GRDS and thought that it was the better choice, my only issue was needing to find a Dr that performed the surgery and that was covered by my insurance. Thats why I first went to see Dr. K because he was contracting with my insurance. But, when I met him, I was hooked. I had pictured an older gentleman with a crotchety demeanor who had no time for answering my questions. But then walked in this rather tall gentleman in his bow tie, he was rather good looking and quiet speaking. He told me that it was my choice and he would not do anything that I did not want him to do. He explained every procedure to me and answered my questions and never made me feel like I was asking stupid questions or wasting his time. He even talked to my sister who is kind of a space cadet, but he explained everything to her (a couple of times) in a manner that she understood. He made me feel like it wasnt my fault for being fat. I knew at that moment that he was the one for me.

As my surgery date came near, I was getting rather nervous and I would call him with some pretty stupid questions and fears, but he answered my call (even at 11 pm) and he calmed me down. At 5 am I checked into the hospital and got prepped for surgery. The surgery was a trip because we found out that I have a very high tolerance for anesthesia and it wears off really fast and I woke up in the middle of surgery. I was unable to notify the Dr that I was awake, so I felt everything until I passed out from the pain. This problem was not Dr. K's fault, i held the anesthesiologist at fault for that because he should have been watching me closer.

Well, other than that, the surgery went pretty good, but recovery was a night mare. We found out that I was allergic to Moraphine and I had a really bad reaction to it. I had never had this drug before so it was a surprise to us all.

Dr K visited me a couple times a day while i was in the hospital and I was released on July 3 but had to stay in Delano for a couple days. We stayed at the local hotel and from the time I checked out of the hospital and went home I had lost 20 lbs. It was just amazing to me.

I went home and everything went along ok, but it was a very hot summer so I did experience dehydration. But, i never had any hernias or anything like that.

Today, is 2011 and I have maintained my weight at about 140 lbs. My weight does go up and down between 10-15 lbs but thats ok. If I had to do it again I would go see Dr. K in a heart beat and do it all over again. Although we are supposed to see Dr. K once a year, I havent seen him in a couple years, not because of anything that he did, but because of a couple people on his staff. I love Dr. K and I credit him for my life because I know that without him I would have died a couple years ago. He is my knight in shining armour. He does not judge anyone for their obesity and he truly just wants to help. He is a great guy.

Nancy Godina
Surgery date 6/29/2001
Delano, CA

From the day that I interviewed Dr. Keshishian, I knew he was the doctor for me. He takes a no nonsense approach to WLS and he isn't afraid to answer any questions. He has always made me feel at ease and he's always there when I need him. The girls in the office are great too. I'm always able to communicate by email or phone, whichever is more convenient for me. I had the gastric sleeve procedure done, and I couldn't be happier with my results so far. Thanks Dr. Keshishian :)

I met with Dr Keshishian in May 2010 and although it has taken a year to get here I have a surgery date for this May 24, 2011. Diana has been wonderful keeping in contact with me and helping me get to this point. I will be having the duodenal switch and feel 100% confident in my choice of Dr. Keshishian as my surgeon. When I met with him last year he had a great sense of humor and was willing to answer all my questions. I am a medical marijauna patient and he was perfectly comfortable answering my questions about his policy regarding it, nor was he jugdemental about my use. I found that to be a very refreshing attitude. I will also be having my surgery in Delano.

Where do I begin? All I can say is that I truly believe for ME, that is was divine intervention being led to Dr. Keshishian. He is the most brilliant, "present" doctor/surgeon that I have ever met and I have met a few! He takes time to answer all of your question, makes you feel special and like he really cares about you. He will answer you phone calls, emails and questions in a very timely manor. It does not matter how many people I have spoken to about Ara Keshishian, the result and answers are the same! A truly wonderful, magnificent man! I am still in the early stages of my post surgery but I am really looking forward to my new life with the duodenal switch. The DS IS THE SURGERY of choice, or should be and Dr. Keshishian IS THE SURGEON YOU WANT TO HAVE! Thank you Dr. Keshishian! Thank YOU! Shireen Reid

I met Dr K in Nov 2010 had my surgery on Dec 29th 2010. It was like sitting in front of a doctor who cared wanted to hear my questions, and question HIM on things I had heard and came up with proof and documenation on things that showed he knew what he was talking about. Day of surgery and until I was released he came in everyday to talk and check in with me. I was doing well and was released earlier then planned. Dr. Keshishian is wonderful and cares about us. Thanks Doc

My first impression is that in my opinnion he is the best man for the job>