Pioneer Valley Weight Loss Centers

What is PIONEER VALLEY WEIGHT LOSS CENTERS (PVWLC)? [click here]: PIONEER VALLEY WEIGHT LOSS CENTERS is a team of experts trained in the field of weight loss. Our team is led by Dr. Christopher Keroack.Dr. Keroack is a MEDICAL DOCTOR that is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Bariatrics (Weight Loss Medicine). He has been the leading weight loss expert in Western Massachusetts since 1998. He has also held positions on state and national levels to assist in setting up policies and protocols in the field of bariatrics. As such, Dr. Keroack cares for patients interested in both medical and surgical approaches to weight loss.Patients work with Dr. Keroack and his staff to cover the components of weight loss including nutrition, activity, behavior, psychology, medicine and surgery. All aspects of weight loss are covered by our team of medical specialists.In addition, we work closely with primary care providers, specialists, psychologists and nutritionists in the community so as to provide a comprehensive team approach to weight loss for each of our patients.
Who is Dr. Keroack? [click here]: Dr. Christopher Keroack has been the leading expert in bariatrics for Western Massachusetts since 1998. As such, Dr. Keroack cares for patients interested in both medical and surgical approaches to weight loss. He has his formal education in Internal Medicine and Bariatrics (Weight Loss Medicine). As our medical director, Dr. Keroack continues to strive for excellence in both the medical and the surgical areas of weight loss. His expertise is essential for the safest and best weight loss experience.
Does PVWLC accept my insurance? [click here]: PVWLC is a medically based practice run by a medical doctor, Dr Christopher Keroack. Because Dr. Keroack is a board certified specialist, many of the local insurances are accepted at our practice. As a result, many of our visits are covered by insurance. Pioneer Valley Weight Loss Centers will no longer be accepting new patients from MassHealth, Boston Medical Center Health Net, Network Health and Neighborhood Health insurance plans.If your insurance does not cover our services, please ask about our “self-pay” financial packages in order to assist you with the cost of visits.Because we are a medically supervised program that is run by specialists, referrals from primary care physicians are generally required for the PVWLC. Referring physicians are kept up to date of each patient’s progress and are encouraged to participate in their patient’s care.PVWLC recommends that patients check with their own insurances and employers prior to their appointment. Some insurances and employers have exceptions to weight loss centers written in their policies. It is important to remember, though, when asking about coverage that Dr. Keroack is a medical doctor and not a mid-level provider or nutritionist.
What if I want to lose weight naturally, without medicine or surgery? [click here]: Our team at PVWLC is focused on the components of nutrition, activity, and behavioral modifications necessary for successful weight loss. We believe this is the foundation of ANY weight loss program. For that reason, we welcome the opportunity to help you lose weight without surgery or medications. Food, activity and behavioral interventions will be supervised and reviewed by our medical director, Dr Christopher Keroack, who is board certified in Internal Medicine and Bariatrics (Weight Loss Medicine). In addition, we will provide you the best information and care in the field of natural weight loss in order to suit your needs.
What if I want to use medications to lose weight? [click here]: PVWLC is a medically-based weight loss center led by a medical doctor and leading expert in bariatrics, Dr. Christopher Keroack. Dr. Keroack is well versed in the science of medications and supplementations that will assist in your weight loss plan. He and his team will recommend the best medications or supplements based on your initial visit, health care history and weight loss goals. PVWLC strives to keep up with advances in the supplements and pharmacotherapy associated with successful weight loss.
What if I want surgery in order to lose weight? [click here]: PVWLC is a fundamental component to your pre-operative and post-operative care in regards to weight loss surgery. If surgical weight loss is your goal, our team will focus on the medical preparation for surgery so that your risks of surgery is minimized and your outcomes are the best possible. We provide the education and preparation necessary for successful weight loss in regards to surgical interventions. As part of a team, we work closely with local surgeons specializing in weight loss surgery. In addition, we work with other experts in the field of bariatrics, such as exercise specialists, dietitians and psychologists, in order to create a multi-disciplinary and comprehensive approach to weight loss surgery. Our director at PWVLC, Dr. Christopher Keroack, has contributed to several papers in regards to weight loss surgery and served on the Massachusetts Board of Health and safety to assist in minimizing risk of surgery and maximizing benefit from surgery. His expertise in peri-operative bariatric medicine makes Dr. Keroack an essential part of your weight loss experience if surgery is your best option.
What is OPTIFAST? [click here]: The OPTIFAST plan is a specialized dietary plan known as a Protein Sparing Modified Fast. In this dietary plan, typical meals are replaced by great tasting shakes, soups, and bars to keep calories successfully limited. OPTIFAST has been considered the foundation of liquid-based diets since 1974. The meal replacement drinks and bars are recommended by physicians for patients weighing more than 50 pounds over their ideal weight. OPTIFAST is also recommended to help individuals prepare for bariatric surgery as well in order to lower risk and improve outcomes from the surgery.The OPTIFAST program follows strict guidelines to ensure the health and safety of patients with three key areas of concentration - medical, behavior and nutrition. Patients have an initial medical exam to make sure they meet the program criteria. Progress is monitored during weekly counseling, to help encourage healthy lifestyle changes. OPTIFAST is an 18-week program - 12 weeks follow meal replacements, and then slowly taper off to healthy meal choices. Research has found patients typically lose 2-4 pounds each week and half of the participants keep the weight off.
What is CENEGENICS? [click here]: CENGENICS is the world’s largest, most-experienced medical age management group medical practice. Our unique protocol has helped over 15,000 patients worldwide — 1,500 are physicians and their families — make dramatic changes in health and vitality. Founded in 1997 by Alan Mintz, MD and John Adams, the Cenegenics Medical Institute has established an important presence in the international medical community, bridging the gap between conventional medicine and a scientifically based, proactive intervention. Cenegenics is your gateway to next generation medical science . . . a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to age management. Cenegenics goes beyond the conventional approach of quick, routine exams and generalized guesstimates, based on body type, gender and age.In-depth diagnostics reveal your big picture, uncovering your strengths and weakest health links. Cenegenics partners with you to create a personalized, multi-faceted program that meets your health goals and successfully manages your aging process.