Ara Keshishian Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS, FASMBS

Dr. Keshishian was terrific. He never made me feel like I had to do this; in fact, he gave me the option to back out if I changed my mind. I didn't. I had been researching surgeries for months and was sure that the gastric reduction duodenal switch was the procedure for me. I didn't want a "pouch" or the inability to eat more than 1 - 2 ounces at a time (which doesn't seem healthy to me). Instead, I now have a fully functioning stomach, albeit 75% smaller than before, and can eat up to 6 ounces once my stomach has fully healed. There are few surgeons performing this procedure, however, I believe it was the safest and best for me long-term and feel like I made the right choice. Dee Tinkle, Dr. Keshishian's nurse, spent a long time going over the pluses and minuses of the surgery, and even required me to take a test showing that I understood what changes were about to take place to my body. Although Delano, CA is a very small town in the middle of nowhere, it's hospital was pretty good. I had my own private room with a bed as well as a recliner, which I fell in love with, that allowed me to almost stand completely up with the push of a button. It is my understanding that a family member can stay with their loved one in the same room. They also have a nursing assistant stay with you for the first 48 hours after your surgery. Since I was alone in this endeavor, I was blessed to find Priscilla - an angel or mercy. I was able to stay at her home after the surgery, rather than a hotel. Her daughters were terrific company. And their two dogs helped ease the pain of separation from my own two who were back home in a kennel awaiting my return.

I was warned that this surgery was not a cake-walk and that there would be pain regardless of any medication. This was very true. The first couple of days I was asking myself what I had done; the pain was horrible. However, now that it has been two weeks and the worst is over, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I'm excited about getting there!

After getting approval for my surgery from my insurance, I set up my initial consultation for next week! After speaking with Barbara Metcalf, RN, I am convinced Dr. K is the surgeon for me! Her knowledge and devotion to her patients is clear from the onset. She has answered many questions for me, making me feel confident for my long journey. I am traveling a great distance to see Dr. K, as I feel he is worth the distance. I will re-post after my consultation with my opinions thus far.

I cannot even come close to telling you of the superior way I was treated during and after my surgery. The hospital staff was incredibly caring, sensitive to my needs and ALWAYS there when I needed them. Dr. K was there many times throughout the day, making certain my pain needs were met and I was progressing as usual. The DS surgery was WAY better than I expected...the pain completely tolerable. Without the caring of this remarkable caring doctor, his competent staff and hospital staff, this surgery would not have been so easy. I chose the right surgeon for sure and would recommend him to any and every one! Thank you Dr. K, Dawn, Dee, Barbara, Suzanne the nurse and all the remarkable other hospital staff! My life is wonderful because of all of you! 6 mo postop

This week I met Dr. K. for the first time -- my records had been forwarded and all testing done, so I didn't have to come out here until 2 weeks before surgery. Very kind, since I had to travel from Memphis Tn. to Delano Ca.

The best thing I can say about Dr. K. is that he reminds me of a dear friend I haven't seen in a long while -- same curious-but-kind demeanor, same passion for his field, same attention to detail and knack for surrounding himself with bright, good-hearted people like himself.

Negatives? None really. I know that sounds as if my impression isn't balanced and I do disapprove of people who treat their surgeons more like rock stars than care givers, but honestly I have been astonished at the level of professionalism and care both in his office staff and at the adjacent hospital, esp. because I had considered Delano to be in the middle of nowhere.

Dee Tinkle, his clinical coordinator, had her own surgery here a year ago and so besides being good at her job (scratch that -- mark "exceptional"), she truly understands my fears and concerns. Because of her I have had no communication/access problems, and feel uncharacteristically calm and optimistic (g).

Both Dr. K. and Dee have been very clear on risks, preparation, aftercare, and all other aspects of this process, to the point of handing over a binder of detailed information, going over it bit-by-bit, and then making me take a quiz on the material after I signed that I understood! Amazing.

Right now I'm tired .. will write more later. Bottom line: this medical team is worth the travel. I've been through negative experiences with other WLS docs, and this time I truly am happy.

OK. I'm post op. Dr. Keshishian in Delano is in my opinion an excellent choice for many reasons. #1. He "loves" doing surgery.

My experience with him is that he is very serious, not a joker. Appropriately sympathetic to the obese condition. It's a dignified and respectful relationship. The hospital in Delano is exceptional. Staffing is generous. Noone seems to be in a rush to leave the room and if you don't call them, they actually come in and check on you. The nurses invite you to "take a walk" often and in the middle of the night if you're up. Dr. K came in to check on me 2 or 3 times a day!

Barbara Metcalf is the nurse coordinator and calls her post op patients EVERY DAY! I feel completely cared for. I would choose him and his team again and for anyone considering this procedure.

DR. K HAS BEEN EXCELLENT. I WAS GIVEN A COMPLETE RUNDOWN OF EVRYTING THAT WOULD HAPPEN FROM THE TIME I SUBMITTED MY INSURANCE INFORMATION UNTIL AFTER THE SURGURY.

HIS STAFF, ESPECIALLY DEE TINKLE, HAVE ALL BEEN VERY HELPFUL.

PROPER AFTERCARE AND MEETING ATTENDANCE HAVE BEEN STRESSED.

THE SURGURY RISKS WERE LAID OUT. I ENDED UP HAVING COMPLICATIONS. STILL, I FEEL THAT THEY WERE NOT DUE TO ANY PHYSICIAN ERROR. DR. K TOOK ME STEP BY STEP THROUGH WHAT WAS GOING ON. HE HAS A GOOD BEDSIDE MANNER AND MADE ME FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE WITH HIM.

DELANO REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER IS THE BEST HOSPITAL I HAVE EVER BEEN IN. THE NURSES WERE MORE ATTENTIVE THAN TWO OTHER HOSPITALS I HAVE BEEN IN BEFORE. THE HOSPITAL WAS VERY ACCOMODATING TOWARD MY HUSBAND IN REGARDS TO VISITING AND STAYING OVERNIGHT. I WAS VERY IMPRESSED.

OVERALL, I AM GREATLY SATISFIED WITH THE TREATMENT GIVEN TO ME BY DR. K, HIS STAFF, AND THE STAFF AT DRMC.

Well I haven't spoken with the dr yet but I have spoken with his nurse, Dee, she is really nice and answered all my questions. Now I just need to wait to see if I am approved. Cross your fingers and pray for me!!
I have been approved!!!
I met Dr Keshisian yesterday at the support meeting he's seems to be very friendly and careing...I know I made the right choice...

First impression was that he's patient, sincere and caring. This hasn't changed. He called me himself about my insurance, and he's spent a lot of time on the phone with me answering my questions. His office staff is efficient, and very nice and friendly. He wanted my husband to be on board before he scheduled surgery. He emphazizes aftercare, and has a program for aftercare of one year, but wants you to do followup for as many years as you can. He does address all the risks, and he has meetings where you can go and ask questions of him, his staff and his patients. I'd say he's a person I trust. His other patients adore him and I can understand why. Of course, I'll update this after my surgery.

Dr. K was very nice, knowledgeable, understanding and a little funny. Staff was great and helpful

My thought when I met Dr. Keshishian was 'he's so young!' He just celebrated his first anniversary in practice (11/00). He is very knowledgeable about this surgery, and explains it in a very down-to-earth manner. I came with a notebook full of questions, but he answered most of them before I even asked. He spends a lot of time educating you on the possible side effects/complications that arise. He really wants you to make an informed decision about this surgery. Besides the fact that I think he is a very gifted surgeon, what I like the best about Dr. K is that his is very present in his interactions with you. He really listens. And he is very human--doesn't even have a trace of the inflated ego I've seen in so many doctors. I really like that about him. He called me personally to tell me my insurance had approved the surgery and to discuss a surgery date. Whenever I've had questions, or emailed him with a concern, he has responded to me quickly, and personally. I think the combination of surgical competence and bedside manner is very important--and Dr. K has the right stuff in this regard! I had a big problem with the first anesthesiologist I spoke with (prior to surgery) and voiced my concerns to Dr. K. He understood my concerns, and arranged for a more open and caring anesthesiologist to work with me. His office staff that works with appointments and insurance is very good. Barbara Metcalf is his educational coordinator and called me daily after surgery to see how I was progressing. She is awesome! She used to work with Dr. Rabkin before he relocated to San Francisco, so she has many years experience working with DS patients. No, I'm not the president of the Dr. K fanclub, but maybe I should be. I just can't say enough about this man, his staff, and the great outcome I've had with surgery.

The care I received from both the hospital and surgeon was exemplary. Pre-op teaching by the physician and his staff was in depth and meaningful. The risks of surgery were explained in full, not once but several times. When I went in for surgery I was well prepared for what I felt when I came out. Once out of surgery and in my room the nursing staff took wonderful care of me. I know I was treated better in this hospital than I would have been in a larger facility. They have a higher nurse to patient ratio and the physician demands that his protocols be followed to the letter. Dr. K checked on me several times a day and made sure I was as comfortable (pain) as he could make me. My husband was able to stay the night with me which helped with night care during the first days after surgery. This comfort was a blessing for both of us. He was afraid for me and I needed his company. Once I returned home Dr. K and his staff called and checked on me daily for at least 7-10 days. I am very happy with Dr. Keshishian and would recommend him and Delano Regional Medical Center to all considering weight loss surgery.