"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."
