"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. "
