Ara Keshishian Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS, FASMBS

It seemed like he had all the time in the world to spend with me. I didn't feel rushed. He has a good sense of humor and made me feel "not so nervous" before starting his examination. Dr. K's office staff are like a large family. I enjoyed my time with Dee going over the binder and all the info regarding before, during and after surgery. Although it was a little bit of a struggle to come up with the fee for the aftercare program, I really feel like it is an important part of the care. Knowing I have a nurse assigned to me who I can reach 24/7 is a great relief. So far the only "down side" that I can see regarding Dr. K is that I have to travel 5 hours one way to get to see him. He does however take both of my insurances.

Dr. K and his staff(especially Dee Tinkle) have been the most icredibel support
group a person could ask for when undergoing something so
scarry and wonderful all wrpped up into one.
They are a small facility, but that gives you incredible one on one care that is
SO IMPORTANT! Don't confuse small with inadequate. They are all very well trained
and have an icredible facility. Everything you(and they) need.

I would highly recommend Dr. K. to anyone concidering WLS. especially the Duodenal Switch.

He is a most caring and competent physician and human being. All his staff really care
about you and your well being to the fullest.

Thanks to All the staff & Dr. K.!

I attended an informational group session at the Delano location along with other pre and post op patients. I found that the atmosphere was relaxed and not pretentious as can be observed in other environments. I was originally approved for the Rouxen Y with Dr. Felix in Fresno, however, I backed out. Something about his approach to the whole thing was too lacadasical and that he really wasn't concerned with my individual health needs. He didn't even request any pre-operative testing. Dr. K on the other hand, is very soft spoken, serious and patient. He exhibited a very intelligent and professional demeanor. Initially, I was apprehensive, about the DS all though I've known about it for over a year, but now I'm sure it is the procedure for me. Dr. K reallly emphasizes aftercare, and it appears that he likes a handson approach to patient care. Each of my interactions with him the most recent being 10/16/01 have been positive and he remains consistently approachable, competent and concerned for his patient's health. He has discussed with me my interest in the lap procedure which he is newly incoporating into his practice. He has shared his concerns that he thinks that the open procedure would be best since that is his specialty and where most of his surgical experience lies. He said that he has previously performed one DS lap and the patient is recovering as expected. I left the consultation a little bummed about that, but happy to even have the opportunity to start a new life. I e-mailed him again and waiting for a response to ask if he could start the procedure lap and if necessary switch to open. I really want the lap procedure if he is willing to do it.

Absolutely FANTASTIC!! I not only have the privilege of knowing Dr. K as my potential surgeon, but also through my work at Delano Regional Medical Center.

I had my initial consult with Dr Keshishian on 10/04. I knew many of his post-op and pre-op patients already, so I already had a good impression of him, but this just enforced it. He answered all my questions on honestly and I felt confident in my decision to choose him as my surgeon. Dee Tinkle, his RN is wonderful!! I also dealt with Lydia his insurance coordinator and Olga who helped me schedule my pre-op appointments in Delano and they were both wonderful as well! Lydia was just on the ball with the insurance company and by coordinating with a contact I found in my insurance company's medical mgmt department I was approved within 24 hours!

DR. K IS TRULY A FINE DR. EVERY TIME I HAVE SEEN HIM, HE SHAKES MY HAND AND ASKS ABOUT MY HUSBAND AS AN OLD FRIEND MIGHT. THE OFFICE STAFF WAS ALSO PLEASANT. HIS WIFE DAWN DID MY ORIENTATION AND SHE WAS A JOY TO TALK TO. THEY REALLY STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF AFTER CARE. THE ONLY NEGATIVE COMMENT I WOULD MAKE IS WHEN I CALLED AFTER HOURS THE ANSWERING SERVICE HESITATED TO PAGE THE DR. OR NURSE. BUT THE OVERALL PICTURE WAS A GOOD EXPERIENCE.

SURGICAL COMPETENCE, AND BEDSIDE MANNER ARE BOTH GREAT. I REALLY CAN'T THINK OF ANYTHING NEGATIVE TO SAY ABOUT THE DR. OR HIS STAFF. I CALLED A COUPLE OF TIMES AFTER HOURS AND DEE TINKLE WAS VERY HELPFUL.

THERE IS NOT A WORD THAT CAN DESCRIBE DR. ARA KESHISHIAN. I WAS SO COMFORTABLE AROUND HIM AND HIS STAFF. THEY ARE ALL VERY CARING PEOPLE. LIKE ONE BIG FAMILY. I WAS AT PEACE WITH PICKING DR. KESHISHIAN. I THINK HE IS VERY PERSONABLE. HE WANTS TO MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE DONE. NO SECONDS THOUGHTS. HE ASKS SEVERAL TIMES IF YOU OR ANYONE OF YOUR FAMILY HAS QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SURGERY. FROM A SCALE OF 1 TO 10 THERE IS NO RATE FOR HIM BECAUSE HE IS WAY OFF THE CHARTS IN MY BOOK.

9/4 I met with Dr. K and Dee today at my initial consult, was treated nicely by all office staff. The breifing and notebook from Dee was informative, thorough and answered most of my questions.

Dr. K. was thorough going through my history, and he asked alot of precise questions, and I felt that he was really interested in my concerns and he addressed those completely. My main concern was regarding PE since I had experienced multiple blood clots going from my legs into my lungs during a prolonged hospital stay in August of 2000 due to Pancreatitus,and diagnoses of High Triglycerides, Diabetes. I experienced other complications including yeast infections (vaginally, topically) which finally went systemic in my blood from a central line in my groin area, as well UTI, and allergic reactions to medicine. Also have low-back & knee pain, and heart valve leakage (fen-phen), so you can see I have plenty of co-morbidities and risk factors to address. He said he can and will do some preventative measures to address my PE concerns (greenfield filter etc.) He is professional, compassionate, and made me feel completely at ease to address all of my questions.

I asked what I could do to help prepare myself for the surgery was told I could start drinking protein drinks, vitamins & Calcium, to do exercises with weights or tubing, walk (even if only 10 minutes at a time) blow baloons and an incentive spirometer. Doing all of these things can make my recovery easier and build up my immune system. I have full confidence in him and am looking forward to my 10/10/2001 surgery date..Fran from Texas BMI 47.5 consult date weight 272

8/4 I met Dr. Keshishian Friday evening at a group meeting in Ukiah, CA.
Prior to meeting the doctor, I felt like I trusted him just from reading what people have posted about him. Well, after meeting him Friday evening, I know for sure that I have chosen the right surgeon. He was very thurough in explaining the Duodenal Switch and has a really good sense of humor.
The Delano Regional Medical center has just opened a new wing that is for WLS patients. I have heard nothing but excellent comments on the hospital and the staff. THEY KNOW HOW TO TAKE CARE OF WLS PATIENTS.
I have only 11 more days till my consult. I am so excited!!!

Have consult with Dr. Keshishian Aug. 17th
<P>
8/21 Consult on the 17th went very good. Just a few bumps, but all worked out well. The office staff was very kind. Dee and Dr. K were very nice and took time to listen to my questions, all five pages of them. Now it is up to getting the official insurance ok and then a surgery date. I know, patience, patience.
<P>
9/4 Dee Tinkle called me this morning to give me my surgery date. She was sooo sweet and totaly understood my excitement and rambling off and many, many thank you's.

Dr. Keshishian is great. So is Dee Tinkle, one of the nurses in the office. She has had the procedure and knows all the details firsthand.

Dr. K is almost ready to open a Bariatric wing at the hospital (9/2001?) and I imagine he will be hiring a hospital staff of dedicated nurses and aides who are familiar with the Duodenal Switch procedure.

Dr. K is relatively young and quite handsome but his overriding qualifications are that he is a safe, careful, and experienced surgeon.

His bedside manner is light and funny and he somehow manages to remember tiny personal details about his patients. In my case he remembed to ask after my two dogs and whether or not I was feeling up to starting to sing again soon. I was amazed, considering how busy he is and how many patients he has to see in a day.

I would highly recommend him to anyone considering the DS procedure.