Ara Keshishian
Ara Keshishian, MD operates DSSurgery, a California-based solo bariatric and general surgery practice specializing in the laparoscopic Duodenal Switch (2,000+ procedures) and revisional weight loss surgery, serving individual patients locally, nationally, and internationally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersPasadena, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Ara Keshishian does
Ara Keshishian, MD, FACS, FASMBS operates DSSurgery (formerly Central Valley Bariatrics), a California-licensed professional medical corporation (APMC) founded in 1999 as a solo private bariatric and general surgery practice. The practice's clinical core is the laparoscopic Duodenal Switch performed using the Hess percentage-based method for individualized intestinal limb construction, with over 2,000 such procedures performed over an 18-year career and more than 500 revisional surgeries converting prior failed weight loss procedures (RNY Gastric Bypass, Adjustable Gastric Band, Sleeve Gastrectomy) to Duodenal Switch. Supporting service lines include laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding, gastric bypass RNY, SADI-SIPS, gastric balloon (Orbera), hernia repair (ventral, hiatal, inguinal), cholecystectomy, appendectomy, achalasia and bile reflux surgery, gastrointestinal endoscopy, robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery, and post-weight-loss reconstructive surgery (brachioplasty, abdominoplasty, breast procedures, thigh lift).
The business operates as a direct-to-patient professional services practice with consultations and follow-up delivered in-person at a Sherman Oaks office and via telehealth. Revenue is generated from surgical procedures (accepted on a self-pay, financing, or selected PPO insurance basis) plus consultations and post-operative care. Surgical capacity is sourced through affiliations with Huntington Memorial Hospital-Cedar Sinai (Pasadena), USC-Verdugo Hills Hospital (Glendale), Radiance Outpatient Surgery Center (Sherman Oaks), and Physicians Outpatient Surgery Center (Glendale). Patient acquisition relies on physician referrals, SEO/content marketing, patient testimonials, and multilingual international outreach (Armenian, Romanian, Spanish).
The practice is entirely physician-owned, with no external investors, no parent entity, no funding rounds, and no M&A activity disclosed. Headcount sits in the 11-50 range and serves individual patients across California, the broader United States, and internationally.
Ara Keshishian firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Ara Keshishian
- Legal name
- Ara Keshishian, MD, FACS, APMC
- Website
- https://dssurgery.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Ara Keshishian, MD operates DSSurgery, a California-based solo bariatric and general surgery practice specializing in the laparoscopic Duodenal Switch (2,000+ procedures) and revisional weight loss surgery, serving individual patients locally, nationally, and internationally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Ara Keshishian industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Bariatric Surgery
- NAICS
- Offices of Physicians (6211), Freestanding Ambulatory Surgical and Emergency Centers (621493)
- SIC
- Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011), Services-Health Services (8000)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery Tourism Agencies (THAKAIAE)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Orthopedic Surgery (Operative Orthopedics) (HLAKALAC)
Keywords
Where Ara Keshishian is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Pasadena
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Ara Keshishian business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Surgical Procedures: Revenue generated from bariatric and general surgical procedures including Duodenal Switch, Sleeve Gastrectomy, revisional surgeries, hernia repairs, and other general surgeries. The practice accepts PPO insurance and offers financing and cash options.
- Consultations and Telehealth: Revenue from initial patient consultations, video consultations for new and existing patients, and ongoing post-operative follow-up care.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Insurance and self-pay options available |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Ara Keshishian product offering
Product offeringCore offering
DSSurgery is a private bariatric and general surgery practice that provides advanced weight loss surgical procedures, with the Laparoscopic Duodenal Switch as its signature offering, alongside revisional weight loss surgery, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding, gastric balloon, SADI-SIPS, hernia and general surgery, robotic-assisted procedures, and post-weight-loss reconstructive surgery. The practice serves individual patients locally in Southern California, nationally across the U.S., and internationally, with in-person and video consultations.
Product overview
DSSurgery by Dr. Ara Keshishian is a comprehensive bariatric and general surgery practice offering a full spectrum of weight loss surgical procedures and general surgical services. The core offering centers on advanced weight loss surgeries including Laparoscopic Duodenal Switch (the primary procedure with over 2,000 performed), Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, Revisional Weight Loss Surgery (500+ revisions from other procedures), Adjustable Gastric Banding, Gastric Bypass RNY, SADI-SIPS, and Gastric Balloon placement. The practice also provides general surgery services including hernia repair (ventral, hiatal, inguinal), laparoscopic cholecystectomy, appendectomy, achalasia treatment, bile reflux surgery, and gastrointestinal endoscopy. Additional services include robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery and post-weight loss reconstructive procedures such as brachioplasty, breast augmentation/lift, abdominoplasty, and thigh lift. The practice operates under Central Valley Bariatrics and serves patients nationally and internationally.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Laparoscopic Duodenal Switch A hybrid restrictive and malabsorptive bariatric procedure using the Hess percentage-based method to reduce stomach size and limit calorie absorption while preserving the pyloric valve; Dr. Keshishian has performed 2,000+ of these procedures. Available to morbidly obese patients seeking weight loss surgery.
- Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy A restrictive weight loss procedure that removes the greater curvature of the stomach to reduce stomach size and decrease ghrelin hormone production to suppress appetite; offered in a single-incision umbilical variant with no visible scarring. For adults seeking primary bariatric surgery.
- Revisional Weight Loss Surgery Surgical revision of failed prior weight loss procedures, including conversions from RNY Gastric Bypass, Adjustable Gastric Band, and Sleeve Gastrectomy to Duodenal Switch; Dr. Keshishian has performed 500+ such revisions. For patients with inadequate weight loss, weight regain, or complications from prior bariatric surgery.
- Adjustable Gastric Banding A restrictive bariatric procedure in which an adjustable band is implanted to create a small stomach pouch, adjustable post-operatively via a saline port. For patients seeking a reversible/restrictive weight loss option.
- Gastric Balloon (Orbera) FDA-approved endoscopic placement of an intragastric balloon filled to 400-700ml for temporary weight loss assistance, removed after 6 months. For patients needing a non-permanent weight loss intervention.
- Gastric Bypass (RNY) Roux-en-Y gastric bypass creating a small 2-3 ounce gastric pouch connected to a limb of small bowel. For patients undergoing primary bariatric surgery.
- SADI-SIPS Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileostomy and Stomach Intestinal Pylorus-Sparing procedures, alternative weight loss surgeries that preserve the pyloric valve. For patients seeking a pylorus-preserving alternative to standard DS or bypass.
- Hernia & General Surgery Surgical treatment of hernias (ventral, hiatal, inguinal, internal) plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy, appendectomy, achalasia and bile reflux surgery, and gastrointestinal endoscopy. For patients needing general surgical care in Southern California.
- Robotic Surgery Minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgical procedures for enhanced precision and reduced recovery time, applied across bariatric and general surgery cases. For patients seeking minimally invasive robotic surgical options.
- Reconstructive Surgery Body contouring after significant weight loss, including brachioplasty (arm lift), mammaplasty (breast augmentation), mastoplexy (breast lift), panniculectomy/abdominoplasty, and thigh lift. For post-bariatric patients needing skin removal and contour procedures.
Quantifiable outcome
- 2,000+ Duodenal Switch procedures performed with 18+ years of private practice experience
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Ara Keshishian
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Ara Keshishian technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Ara Keshishian partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Huntington Memorial Hospital-Cedar SinaicoreAffiliated hospital facility in Pasadena, CA where Dr. Keshishian performs bariatric surgery procedures. Part of the Huntington Health affiliate of Cedars-Sinai network.
- USC-Verdugo Hills HospitalcoreAffiliated hospital facility in Glendale, CA. Dr. Keshishian served as Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at this institution from 2010-2013.
- Radiance Outpatient Surgery CentercoreAffiliated outpatient surgery center in Sherman Oaks, CA where Dr. Keshishian performs surgical procedures.
- Physicians Outpatient Surgery CentercoreAffiliated outpatient surgery center in Glendale, CA operated by Adventist Health. Dr. Keshishian performs procedures at this facility.
- Dr. Douglas HesscoreDr. Keshishian uses the Duodenal Switch surgical method as described by Dr. Douglas Hess, specifically the percentage-based method for constructing intestinal limbs. This methodology allows for individualized and customizable weight loss surgery.
- Obesity HelpminorOnline community platform where Dr. Keshishian has published articles on weight loss surgery and Duodenal Switch, and where patient reviews and testimonials are featured.
- FacebookminorSocial media platform used for patient community building through a main Facebook page and a dedicated support group for bariatric surgery patients.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Ara Keshishian competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Cleveland Clinic Bariatric & Metabolic Institute: Major academic medical center with a high-volume bariatric surgery program. Broad incumbent covering gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, DS, and revisions within a fully integrated health system.
- Cedars-Sinai Bariatric Surgery Program: Academic and large hospital system with a comprehensive bariatric program. Broad incumbent offering the same procedure mix including Duodenal Switch within a multi-specialty delivery system.
- Mayo Clinic Bariatric Surgery: Nationally recognized academic bariatric program offering the full range of weight loss procedures including revisional surgery. Broad incumbent competitor for complex, high-acuity bariatric patients.
- UCSF Bariatric Surgery Center: Academic bariatric surgery program on the West Coast offering gastric bypass, sleeve, DS, and revisions. Broad incumbent and regional competitor for premium California bariatric cases.
Direct peers
- Khalili Center for Bariatric Surgery: Los Angeles-based bariatric surgery practice offering Duodenal Switch, sleeve gastrectomy, and revisions. Direct competitor in the Southern California DS and revisional bariatric market.
- Blossom Bariatrics: Denver-area bariatric surgery practice specializing in Duodenal Switch and SADI-SIPS, with strong revisional volume. Comparable single-surgeon, high-acuity DS model with national patient draw.
- Beverly Hills Physicians: Multi-specialty Southern California practice with a significant bariatric surgery service line including gastric sleeve, bypass, and revisions. Comparable local competitive set in the LA bariatric market.
- Houston Weight Loss Surgery Center: Texas-based bariatric surgery practice performing gastric sleeve, bypass, and revisions. Comparable private-practice model and direct competitor in the high-acuity surgical bariatric segment.
Regional players
- Renew Bariatrics: Medical-tourism-focused bariatric surgery provider based in Mexico serving primarily U.S. self-pay patients. Comparable self-pay, international-patient acquisition model, though operating outside the U.S.
Emerging players
- True You Weight Loss: Southeast U.S. bariatric and endoscopic weight loss practice offering sleeve gastrectomy, revisional bariatric surgery, and emerging non-surgical procedures. Comparable premium, patient-experience-focused brand.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Ara Keshishian social profiles
Digital presenceAra Keshishian financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Ara Keshishian leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Ara Keshishian funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Ara Keshishian M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Ara Keshishian
What does Ara Keshishian do?
DSSurgery is a private bariatric and general surgery practice that provides advanced weight loss surgical procedures, with the Laparoscopic Duodenal Switch as its signature offering, alongside revisional weight loss surgery, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding, gastric balloon, SADI-SIPS, hernia and general surgery, robotic-assisted procedures, and post-weight-loss reconstructive surgery. The practice serves individual patients locally in Southern California, nationally across the U.S., and internationally, with in-person and video consultations.
Is Ara Keshishian a public or private company?
Ara Keshishian is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Ara Keshishian founded?
Ara Keshishian was founded in 1999. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Ara Keshishian based?
Ara Keshishian is headquartered in Pasadena, United States, in the North America region.
How does Ara Keshishian make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Surgical Procedures are the primary driver. The others are consultations and Telehealth.
Who are Ara Keshishian's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Cleveland Clinic Bariatric & Metabolic Institute, Cedars-Sinai Bariatric Surgery Program, Mayo Clinic Bariatric Surgery and UCSF Bariatric Surgery Center. Direct peers are Khalili Center for Bariatric Surgery, Blossom Bariatrics, Beverly Hills Physicians and Houston Weight Loss Surgery Center. Renew Bariatrics is listed as a regional player. True You Weight Loss is listed as an emerging player.
Does Ara Keshishian have an API?
No public API is recorded for Ara Keshishian.
What industry is Ara Keshishian in?
Ara Keshishian's product category is Bariatric Surgery. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAKAIAE, Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery Tourism Agencies, with a secondary code of HLAKALAC, Orthopedic Surgery (Operative Orthopedics). Its NAICS code is 6211 and its SIC code is 8011.