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The dollars fall away. The pounds? Now that's another matter. There's no end of plans, programs, gurus, diets and schemes out there, all promising easy, effortless weight loss. All of them are happy to take your money. However, actually losing weight isn't as easy ... nor is getting your money back if you decide to quit the program, as many LA Weight Loss clients have found out.
If you have any existing health problems -- diabetes, high blood pressure, depression -- or if you're taking prescription medications, it's very important to check with your doctor before starting any new diet.
Also, it's important to realize that getting out of the program can be difficult, not to mention expensive.
Not of Eugene OR (05/02/08)
I was told that to join the program I had to select from their packages of food - using either one choice a day ($180ish) or two meals a day (over $200). They would not explain to me how the program worked until I came back on Thursday... After leaving (and them running my credit card), I realized, this was NOT what I had wanted or intended. They simply pushed me into making a package choice if I wanted to continue with my plan. I was a returning customer, and this was NOT how the program was run when I signed up.
I have left messages every day this week for the manager to call me - and even gone in. She does not call me back, and the staff was rude and unhelpful telling me as a rule, they don't give refunds... even though I hadn't received any products.
Deanna of Green Bay WI (05/02/08)
I signed up for the program July 07. Things went well the first few weeks, but then things started to taper off I needed more information on how to introduce more things into my diet, the counselors (who now I find out have NO background in nutrition)kept telling me the same things over and over it just takes time I would go in and get weighed and ask for suggestions adn this is the exact same line I was fed over and over.
I asked for a dietician to review my journal and it took 2 requests and over a month to get a response. I paid over $1300 for this service and received NOTHING I was promised in return in the way of counseling. I essentially paid the $ to weigh myself.
I lost $1300.
Pat of Clifton NJ (04/23/08)
I had gone there to find about the programs they had wt loss. I explained to them that I had a thryoid problem and they said it was ok. They then told me the program was two year sign up with a activation fee of 149. and the program would cost me around $1000 plus the bars would be an additional cost of $29.00 per week. She said just take the sale and buy the $1000 and you would have bars for the entire 2 years. The cost came out to $2000. Moreover, I told her that is too much for my pocket and she said no problem sign up for care credit and then pay them later.
They went bankrupt and I did not get my refund and I am being billed from Care Credit and they are charging late fees and even when the payment is sent on time. I had about 1 year and a half remaining and She refuse to talk to me and she treated me bad and nasty. She said get out and wait for your refund and I have nothing to do with this. Good bye. She slammed the door and I have not seen or heard from any refund but the bill still keeps coming in. I would like so injustice and help from this situation. If anyone could help me I would highly appreicate it. I am having nighmares and am up the creek with this. I would like to say thank you for your time and cooperation. PS: I am sure that I am not the only one that has been ripped off.
I have been economically without a job for a job and just found a job. As to the physical damage very annoyed with this situation and would be so grateful and thankful if anyone could help me with situation. Thank you
Kathy of Westminster, SC (04/21/08)
I signed up in July 2007 for a total of 64 weeks. I went one day to do a weigh in and the doors were locked and everything was gone. I did not receive any kind of notice.
I spent a great deal of money on the products. I spent an estmatI am still paying on a Care Credit Card that they set up of me so I wouldn't have to pay the total up front. I am also still paying for the set up fee that the company charged me the day I signed up. All I would like is my money back.
Leticia of San Marcos CA (04/13/08)
I joined the center in 2006. I was only told there would be weekly cost. I was later told you have to pay for all weeks upfront. I could understand this as them wanting a full commiment so I joined. I was never told I would have to spend outrageous amounts on their products until after the time allowed for you to cancel the contract. I never see the same counselor, they are high pressure sales people with no background in nutrition. They are ofter rude and insensitive. The process is demeaning. I requested a refund and was simply told no.
I am out of thousands of $ with nothing to show for it. I am requesting an investigation and refund.
Kelly of Portland OR (03/26/08)
I joined LA planning to spend about $200-$300 dollars and ended up spending about $1000. I only wanted to lose about 40 pounds. (Which I did) I did find the program to work and I even became an advocate for then, referring clients and posting my success story at the clinic. However, my complaint is this, my incentive to lose and commit was the refund check that was guaranteed after maintenance. (If the weight stayed off). I received a small check in late December and another in January. They told me they sent for my refund just days before the first check came because I was getting curious as to how long it was taking.
Here is what ticks me the worst. I deposited the first check immediately because I spent a little more at Christmas than planned and needed it. I then waited a few weeks more for the second one. I planned to use the cash to cover some vacation debits and thought nothing more of it. That is until I returned from my weekend away and found a bank statement with over $100 dollars in charges due to insufficient funds. I could hardly believe it. I immediately called the bank and they said they would research what happened and would get back to me. (I had perfect banking with them up until now) Later that day they called and said it was due to a stop payment on my refund check. WHAT? I was livid and called LA immediately.
Of course the manager was unavailable. (the whole day) so after picking up my bank statement the next morning, I went into the center and did my complaining. She told me that they only submitted one check so she didn't know what happened. I then said if it was a clerical error they could have had the respect and decency to pick up the phone and say so. They have all of my information on file. Communication could and would have avoided all this. No one contacted me or tried to say, hey we made mistake and need to collect. No, they almost seemed to maliciously get their money back. They did not have to use that tactic. I am an honest person.
It has been nearly three months and all they can tell me is we are waiting for a response from Pittsburgh. They said that they do not have a customer service contact there so I just have to wait. She did however say she would shoot them an e mail. The manager also said that she used to work at the bank and if it were my first offense they could take off all the fees. Wrong and insulting. I asked them for a refund of all the fees and a statement for my bank claiming ignorance and fault. I would like to keep my good standing with them. I am about to demand a contact number or email. It seems like they think that if enough time goes by may be I will let it go. Not my style.
I have lost money, gas and time addressing this. Money and time that is valuable to me. I have two small children (2 and 4) not easily dragged into the clinic. I have gone there every week since this has happened to inquire. Some times twice. It became too difficult to do with two active toddlers so I had to arrange childcare and my days just to get a polite reply that we are still waiting. If I tried to call there was even less of an answer. As a preschool teacher I am not wealthy and do not have cash to just extend to any one. I just do not know what to do next so I am hoping telling them I filed a complaint will help.
Kathleen of Morro Bay CA (02/20/08)
I joined in Nov. 07 and went back after the holidays in Dec. and the doors were locked and the center was closed. All the furniture was gone, the place had been cleared out. I gave them 600.00 dollars and received only two weeks of food.
I feel I got ripped off!
Mark of Studio City CA (02/20/08)
I am trying to settle a dispute between myself and GE Money Bank/Care Credit. Care Credit is the credit card company that L.A. Weight Loss uses to purchase their diet plan. The office closed down and has been replaced with a new plan called Pure Weight Loss. I need to know if there is anyone who has had problems with L.A. Weight Loss and their deceptive sales tactics. Is it possible to file a small claims against them or even a class action lawsuit?
Barbara of Ottawa Lake MI (02/13/08)
I joined L.A.Weight Loss for the purpose of losing weight. I did lose weight but when I failed to maintain it. I still had weeks left so I returned and bought more weeks. I did not receive the support the second time that I had the first time. In fact I was ridiculed on several occasions for not having dropped the expected pounds. I quit. I still had weeks left that I paid for and I still had a lot of product paid for that I never received. In mid January I received a letter fro Medical Weight Loss Clinic stating they would accept my weeks but they would not replace the product I had paid for and had not gotten. L.A.Weight Loss closed on January 4 but I knew nothing about it until January 10. Medical Weight Loss Clinic gave me the following phone number (877) 524-3571 to contact L. A. Weight Loss. I have called this number repeatedly for days at all hours and I always get a busy signal. I believe the phone is deliberately left off the hook or disconnected.
I had no physical consequences but I do feel emotionally abused and betrayed. I also invested a lot of money in this program and have been left high and dry without even the courtesey of an explaination.
Agnes of Latham NY (02/07/08)
I had a contract with L A Weight Loss for a weight loss program. I paid them a lot of money for the program-- $3,000 plus, for me and my daughter. On Jan. 8, 2008, without notice, they went out of business. I would like to get my money back.
Linda of Los Osos CA (02/04/08)
I signed up for the program in March, 2005, right after my mother passed away. I spent thousands of dollars for the program which I paid for in advance for 3 years--two years for the program, a year of maintenance and all the bars for those 3 years, in advance. When I went to their office on January 2, 2008, they were closed; and the store was empty and had no information posted. They disconnected the phone, also.
April of Elizabeth NJ (01/28/08)
I signed up for LA Weight loss last October. This program, for membership fee, bars and supplements, cost me thousands of dollars. That money I am out of, and basically I have not lost the weight. Now come to find out they are no longer in business; the center I was going to closed. They did not even have the decency to contact their members to tell them what was going on. For weeks I have been calling to make an appt. and have not gotten any answer. I decided to go online and see if I could get any information: they are closed - gone forever. How inconsiderate after people put so much money out.
A long story short I am out of this money and still FAT. Now I have to put out more more to find another program that fits my needs.
Heather of Indianapolis IN (01/23/08)
On January 4th LA Weight Loss or Pure Weight Loss shut down for good. They did not inform anyone. My husband was leaving for Iraq around this time and I was not able to make it into the center for a couple of weeks. When I decided to return I found that they had all been closed. No one notified me. I paid them over 700 for services that were to last through next year. And part of that money was also for protein bars of which I was owed about 30 boxes. From what I am told they are just throwing out refund claims containing personal information. And if you do not have your contract you are not getting a refund because they already threw all of that away. I do not have my contract because I didn't want my husband to know I was going to do this while he was gone. However, I used Care Credit. Which is a card they use for their service So, I am filing a complaint with the credit card company (even though it isn't their fault). Hopefully, at the very least, I won't have to pay what I still owe. The problem is, I have already paid 1/4 of it off, not to mention other products I bought which were to enhance my weight loss with them, not without. I now owe over 500 dollars, but have paid much more. There are THOUSANDS of others like me. The owners of this company, at the very least, deserve punishment for such terrible business practices.
I am now in the hole the money I spent on the program. I am starting to get nervous about anything I pay for now, thinking no one will deliver on the goods promised (in a contract no less). I am worried about paying this off...even though I am getting nothing for it. I had just signed on in August. I am also concerned about losing weight. They've just left me with a feeling of what do I do now?
Angela of Lacey WA (01/15/08)
I signed up for LA weight loss last spring thinking I could use my own food and only pay $4 a week. Then I had to pay for their nutrition bars which were $25 a box. I put hundreds of dollars into this company paying for bars and the membership up front. I think it totaled about $800. Halfway through my membership the center began only being open for a couple of days a week--those which I worked and could not make it. I had my membership put on hold until the center had more days open (which was supposed to be in January 2008). The center closed with no warning or reimbursement of my membership fees.
I lost hundreds of dollars and it was a total waste of time. I also didn't lose any weight until I stopped eating their nutrition bars.
Meryl of Sunrise FL (01/14/08)
I went to the office, and it has closed down. I received no letters or notification that the office closed down, and I paid over $1000 for products and have not even received a quarter of the products that I paid for. There was a 877-524-3571 number that was displayed on their door; when I called the number there is a continuous hold and I cannot get through. My doctor has given me notification that I can no longer use their products, and that was the reason for my visit (to get a refund), and they are now closed.
I lost over $1000. I am a Senior Citizen on a fixed income and need help getting my money returned to me.
E of Spokane WA (01/12/08)
On July 16, 2004, I signed a contract with LA Weight Loss to lose 15 pounds in 8 weeks--it took me over 1 1/2 years to attain that goal. My contract stated: If for any reason you fail to lose 15 pounds in 8 weeks, LA Weight Loss Centers will continue your program until you have lost the amount of weight indicated - WITHOUT ADDITIONAL CHARGE FOR OUR SERVICES. I had to fight them to keep them from charging me extra, but I finally prevailed on that. However, I have a credit of approximately 55 boxes of LA Lite/Protein bars at a value of $10.73 for each box. I had more than that, but I would go by their weight loss centers and pick up 4 - 6 or 8 boxes of bars for appetite deterrents to maintain my weight loss.
The last time I went for bars in late November, 2007, their North Division office was closed and empty. Their phone number was disconnected. The same goes for their office on Argonne Avenue in the Spokane Valley. There is no information about where to call or to go to get your products or services from LA Weight Loss. All phone numbers are disconnected, with no forwarding number. They have had my money for over 3 1/2 years, and since they are no longer at their original locations, I want all of my money for the 55 boxes of LA Lite/Protein bars for a value of $590.15. I can't find any information about an LA Weight Loss Center in this area. It seems as though they have skipped town with my money. I need your help! Please!
Lori of Eagan MN (01/07/08)
Before I joined I was very misled about the cost of the program. The amount was according to the amount of time to get to my goal weight, not the amount indicated in the advertisement. Apparently the cost of counseling weighed heavily into this amount (which amounted to me being weighed on a scale once per week, and asked what products I wished to purchase.) There was always lots of pressure to purchase their foods and supplements. I agreed to pay this amount, then was told that I needed to purchase the Lite Bars to successfully lose the weight. This, of course, would be a benefit to me to purchase the bulk of them immediately, so I could get a discount on the expensive bars. To get to my goal weight, I needed to purchase 98 boxes of LA Lite Bars. I am still eating the bars that I purchased a year and a half ago, and probably have about 30 more boxes left.
I was told that I would have support after my paid counseling months were up. Even after my goal weight was obtained, I should feel free to stop in as often as needed to pick up diaries and the tools to get me started back up again. After I stopped in today, I was told that I could not have any of the information or weekly diaries because the program is now changed and that I would need to pay membership again. It cost me approx. $1,500 to join, and I lost 14 lbs. which did not stay off. Now they want me to pay again to get what was promised to me the last time.
Jennifer of Los Osos CA (01/04/08)
On January 2, 2008, I went in for my routine weigh in at the LA Weightloss franchise in San Luis Obispo, CA. Much to my surprise, the business was closed down and not a thing was left in the building! I didn't even receive notice,and I still have time left on my contract!
LA Weightloss has been the only program that has worked for me to meet my weight loss goals. By them going out of business and appearing to take peoples' money and run, this has highly affected me. I am upset that I cannot contact them, and they are not offering their clients any information.
N of Lantana FL (12/27/07)
In Dec of 2006, I purchased the LA Wt Loss program of 108 weeks at the cost of $324.00 and all the required LA Lites for the entire plan at an additional cost of $1,720.36. They are closing the doors and going out of business! When you call the corporate office the recording says they have no affiliation with Pure Weight Loss which is a total lie. The center just put a sticker over the LA sign. They owe me over $1000 in weeks left and LA Lites that were paid in advance.
I refuse to be ripped off by this company! I paid for the product with a credit card I opened just for that and hopefully they can charge back to LA/Pure as I already paid the bill off.
Janet of Seattle WA (12/18/07)
I went down to see them at Tukwilla and the doors were locked and a notice on the door that they hadn't paid their rent and were closed. I had not lost the weight they said I would and I would like to get at least some of my money back. I paid $304 to join and $216 for bars which I have still have at least 4 boxes coming. I don't know who to contact about this.
This was very hard financially.
Lynn of Flowery Branch GA (12/10/07)
This center opened in March 2007. I joined the day it opened.Ii purchased the plan that would help me lose the weight, stabilize my weight loss and then maintain the weight loss. I paid the entire amount up front with the promise (on paper) that I would get 1/2 the sign up fee back after one year and finishing the program. Of course during all these weeks, I was highly encouraged to purchase nutrition bars, supplements, drinks, shakes and snacks that would help. The cost of these was exorbitant but I thought there would be an end to it and it would help get my weight off. I was told in November (in secret by an employee of LA Weight Loss) that the center would be closing! It did not matter about the success of its clients, they were not making the amount of money they thought off of all the sales of nutrition supplements. They chose instead to offer the choice of going to two other centers, both of which are over 50 miles round trip! A lot of the clients at this center live close by or come by on their breaks. They cannot drive that far. LAWL also gave the option of doing their LA on the GO which consists of buying their pre packaged food at an exhorbitant cost. When I asked what about my money that I am supposed to get back, they said I had not finished the program. Well, how can I finish the program if my center is closed? I have called the 800 number and they will not give out the owner's name nor the district manager's name.
I cannot finish the weight loss program that I chose to help me. I got half way through to only be left hanging. It is a tremendous loss of money. Even though I do not wish for an attorney, I feel legally these weight loss centers should be held accountable. This is just not about the money. These are vulnerable people that have put their faith and trust in them to get help which is not an easy decision.
Rosslynn of Spearfish SD (12/01/07)
I decided to give LA Weight Loss a try as they advertise $5.00 a week to lose as much weight as you want, and that you would have one on one counseling, when in fact upon my registration the so called counselor told me my total amount due was $923.95, I couldnt believe what I was hearing, i asked what happened to the $5.00 a week thing, and Heather told me well that is our promotion but you have to pay by how much weighy you want to lose.
Then on top of that you have to buy these LA Lite bars that cost $14.00 a box and you have to purchase at least 2 boxes a week, and you must buy these to guarantee your weight loss, when in fact these bars are no more nutritional than a granola bar! Im a nurse and when I was asked to purchase the supplements(FB500,Carb Cravers ect...)I was skeptical, they have not been evaluated by the FDA. How can a company run like this, it seems like false advertising to me, its all a tactic to get you in their doors, and to unsuspecting people like me, you get taken badly, because you want help losing weight. I also was surprised that these so-called counselors have no dietary background,i had questions that no one could answer, like I said Im a nurse and when Im going to be taking a supplement like any other drug, I want to know what it does, how it works, and are there side effects, none of this could be answered, but yet they wanted my money before I left, in cash, in full, or give them a credit card for the amount in full. this program is despicable.
Ken of Bend OR (11/19/07)
My wife and I joined LA Weightloss for over $1600 (combined). Over a 2-3 month period (July-September) we were out of town. When we returned in September,we saw that the company had closed it's doors. We were never contacted by LA Weightloss. We never received a call back from the toll free # posted on the door.
We are out $1600 without any evident recourse.
Leticia of N Las Vegas NV (10/10/07)
I had been going to LA Weight Loss for about 1 year. I had reached my goal and the individual that helped me that one day said they would submit for 1/2 the refund. Couple of weeks past and I asked when I would receive my money and then they told me that I had gotten the wrong information I still need more weeks before I refund was issued. I girl that gave me the information the first time didn't know what she was talking about and she laughed. Finally in July again they said I had reached the weeks to recieve my refund and that it would be summited. One month pasted and didn't recieve my money. I asked about it and they said it was summit should be couple of more weeks before I get something. I kept going to continue the program and go for my other have. One Saturday I was out there to get weight in and returned the following Saturday to find I note on the door that because of legal issue they could not longer proform business there. I never recieved I call or letter about them closing and never to this date recieved any of my refunds back.
Paid money up front for services that were not met. They closed before my time was up and didn't return my money.
Lori of Las Vegas NV (09/22/07)
I signed up for the program and was also told that I had to purchase all the lites or I would not be eligible for my rebates. I bought the lites as I went thru the program because it was the only way I could afford it. And paid over $600.00 for the program. I stayed with the program faithfully for about 2 years. I rec. my first rebate of $143.00 and then I had another 26 weeks to go for my final rebate check. I went in for my final weigh in and was within the required 5 lbs of goal weight and found that they had closed their doors for business. They did make good on my balance of Lites left on my account but I am out my rebate. What upset me the most is in talking to one of the girls that worked there they knew something was happening and never said anything to help us. I was also told by an ex-employee of LA Weight Loss that it was not required to buy the lites in order to rec. your rebates.
D of Hamtramck MI (07/04/07)
I went in last week to sign up for the weight loss program with LA Weight loss centers. I paid $252.00 for the plan then I was told the diet supplements were an additional $67.00! They then brought me the contract that talked about the LA Lites. The contract stated that the LA Lites needed to be purchased to successfully complete the plan. The contract states the rate of $29.00 but suggest that the best way to purchase is to do it by bulk. I signed the contract figuring that I could purchase a box and if I liked them then purchase another, never once being told that they must be purchased by bulk.
This is where it all came out that I HAD to purchase the plan in bulk for $975.00! When I refused, they told me that the plan could also be purchased for $578.00 for just the stabilization bars of 6 weeks! I continued to tell them that there was no way I was paying any more money for this program. They then sent a rep to my home to drop off boxes of the courtesy bars; they taste like chocolate covered doggie treats!
Sharon of Fairfield CA (06/18/07)
I began the program with the belief that L A Weight Loss would follow up as promised with my progress. After I paid to enroll and the LA Lites, I did have any more contact from the office. I have tried to cancel the membership, and I get the runaround and I've been told that I cannot cancel or get my refund.
Emily of Albuquerque NM (05/16/07)
I joined LA Weight Loss in the winter of 2005. I faithfully went to the meetings with my counselor. I never saw the same person on a consistent basis. It was tedious and frustrating because they never stuck to what they said they were going to do when I joined. The cost was almost $1,000.00. I had a family emergency occur and had to leave and go to another state. They told me that I could not go to another LA Weight Loss Center. Therefore, I arranged with them to continue when I returned. I went back in 2006 late in the year. I found that it was less dependable than when I joined.
I told them I did not like the program and wanted a refund. That was not going to happen. So, I went back after that and yesterday when I went for my consultation and weigh in, I found that they had gone out of business. There were other women outside who were equally as shocked as I was.
Camille of Brooklyn NY (05/14/07)
I entered the center for the advertisement of an 8-week program. I sat with a representative we spoke about menu and fast forward drinks. I distinctly mentioned that I could not have any type of stimulants. In fact, I also mentioned about the use of any soy products. I was told they do not use any of those products but for a fee of $531.00 dollars and 22 weeks, I can loose 45 pounds.
I tried to speak to the center on Saturday and was turned away at 12:30 p.m. They had my money in 24 hours they now want too keep $149.00 for doing nothing but harassing me over the phone and telling me not to be so short in my tone of voice.
Christine of Albuquerque NM (04/13/07)
I went in to the center and I was helped right away, they were very friendly. I got the scoop on the program minus the fact that I would have to purchase the LA lite bars even after I lost the weight. I only needed to lose 20 lbs so I would only be on the diet for 10 weeks plus 6 stabilization wks and 52 maintenance wks. but in order to receive the rebate of 1/2 cost of the program I would have to be on the LA lite bars which came out to be about $28/wk X 68 weeks = $1904 plus $640. which was the cost of the program for a grand total of $2544.00 just to lose 20 lbs! I went back within 24 hrs to cancel and they were very rude. The manager told me she was busy and that she had already told me over the phone she would refund my money. So I gave her a letter of cancellation and asked her to put it back on my credit card, she never did but the good thing is that I called my credit card that same day and asked them to note my acct. that I had cancelled within the timeframe allowed, so when I called them, they knew immediately so now it's being investigated by my credit card company. I don't know if i'll get my money back.
Irasema of Wapato WA (03/17/07)
I started my program January 17,2006. When i enrolled i was not told that in order to follow my diet plan that i would need to purchase the protein bars to keep losing weight. Because it was myself and my daughter enrolled this became very costly. therefore forcing me to stop purchasing the bars. this became a back and fourth weight loss. To date i have loss no more weight. I would liked to know that in order to reach my goal they would have informed me that i needed to buy there products only. I am very dissatisfied with this program.
Sue of Monterey CA (02/20/07)
I paid $800 upfront for services advertised on a TV program I saw. After 3 months I was treated like a 2nd class citizen and was so uncomfortable I couldnt go back into the establishment. They made me cry, treated me like I was always cheating on the plan, telling me I needed to buy fat blockers, buy there Lite bars. I wrote a letter to the corp office explaining my situation and they invited me back saying maybe they could change my plan and let me see another dietician in the office. That wouldn't work for me, the office was so small and sometimes there was only one person there to help you and it was always the individual that always made me feel uncomfortable. I feel they took my money and didnt provide the professional service they sold. It wasnt until I saw the show on 20-20 where I knew I wasnt the only one they treated like this.
Sandy of Spokane Valley WA (02/20/07)
I too went into LA Weight Loss when my hopes were at their lowest. It sounded perfect. The price didn't seem so bad until I got in there. The advertised specials were no longer in existence...the day I was there. I was to pay over $800 immediately but was assured that I would get half of that back after I met my goal. Ok, so if this really works and I will get at least $400 back, then it might be ok.
There was high pressure sales and so I caved and signed up. Who wouldn't when they are promising this is it!!! I did ok but felt disappointed when each time I went for a consultation I was hit with a sales gimmick. You really need these bars, they are going to make you succeed....... I would tell them I didn't want them and couldn't afford them. Oh, but you can finance them or you can get a great discount if you buy today....... Again, feeling pressured to buy I caved.
Yes I was weak, but I felt they wouldn't help me if I didn't buy their products. Every time I went in, I felt as though they were trying to sell me something more and that was the goal rather than supporting and encouraging me. They didn't really care what I was going through. Then after three months on the program, I had personal issues. My mother almost died, my work was requiring more time so I wasn't able to go in three times a week for consultations. It may not have been so bad but there were NEVER enough employees at this center so you always had to wait and wait to see someone so time was definitely an issue.
Therefore, I told them I wanted to continue and didn't want to jeopardize my money/sucess and would like to be on hold until I was able to resume coming in. They said that was fine so I got completely involved in what was happening in my life and didn't return. When things finally settled down, some months later, I went back in. They never once called me or wrote me to encourage me, to see if I was coming back or if I had fallen off the face of the earth....... I was disappointed in that as I thought this was to be about support and encouragement. It wasn't.
Randall of Olean NY (02/18/07)
My wife and I signed up for the program like many others and got suckered into going over $4,000 in debt with program cost and pills, ect. The program did not work much at all.
I was having a sodium deficency which was causing me to have light-headed spells. I was execused from the program with a doctor's note BUT only received money back for the time I didn't use on the program. My wife is terrifed to continue after seeing me in my sick state. Yet, LA Wight Loss will not refund our money which has put my family in such a financial hole that we have moved in with my in-laws.
Natalie of Santa Maria CA (02/17/07)
I too was manipulated using extreme sales pressure along with emotional pressure to spend way too much money on a program that does not offer anything of value. I spend almost $500 on a year membership, not to mention what I spend on supplements and vitamins.
Severe economic consequences. The timing was right around Christmas, and because I was made to feel bad about not adhering to the program, I slipped up during the holidays and never went back. I received 1 phone call in 3 months.
Dana of Valley Center CA (02/17/07)
I just saw the 20/20 story on LA Weight Loss and the same thing happened to me here in San Diego California. They got me by playing on "dating again as a single woman in her 40's and if you want to even THINK about internet dating, you better be able to take a picture". There have been no follow-up from counselors, no "counseling" - just buy, buy, and buy. They refused any refunds.
I lost $2500.00 and gained 10 pounds.... I would like a refund of my money and if they could take the weight back, too, that would be great!
Sandra of Salinas CA (10/26/06)
I am dismayed about the services that were not provided from the LA Weight Loss Center and the unprofessional manner in which my case has been handled. I am choosing to communicate only in writing since I have been questioned about actions, dates and information I have provided. The letter will also ensure that there are no miscommunication, misunderstanding and misinterpretation. I am appalled at the way the LA Weight Loss Company is not handling my complaint which leads me to believe that customer service is not important to the LA Weight Loss Franchise Company.
The LA Weight Loss Center promised the following:
One on one counseling-you will visit the center three times a week for motivation, guidance, knowledge, and encouragement. Track your progress-during your visits we will weigh you, review your diary and take your blood pressure.
Personal Eating profile-we will assess your eating behaviors and your relationship with food to help you overcome weight loss challenges. We will answer any question you have, keep you motivated to lose the weight, and help you reach your goal.
The only service I was receiving while attending the program was getting weighed three times a week and getting my blood pressure checked once a week.
Linda of Grand Rapids MI (10/25/06)
I enrolled in the program and the contract even states that you do not have to purchase the lite bars, but they push them anyway. They will not give you any cost up front on purchasing any of the bars or anything else. They tell you that on your next visit they will explain. When I went to my 3rd visit that was when they tell you that you can buy them in bulk. Instead of paying $29.95 for them.
No matter how you ask you questions regarding what you have to buy in the program they do not give you direct answers at the time you sign up. They push the fact that you only need to purchase grocery store food until you sign up. Then they tell you need to buy their lite bars after they take you payment.
Now if I do not continue the program I will lose my $234.00. I'm sure they have a good program, but the cost is not stated up front.
Sharon of Tucson, AZ (09/28/06)
After spending 45 minutes with a very energetic young lady touting the benefits of the LA Weight Loss program I signed up and walked out $551 poorer. I had a second appointment 2 days later with a different person who did kind of an in-take evaluation on me. The third appointment, after I had consumed the juice for the weekend, I was presented with my plan for losing the 30 pounds.
I almost fell out of my chair when a plan was presented for me to purchase over $1000 worth of their LA Lite bars. When I said that was not going to happen, a second plan for over $500 was presented as plan B. I was still shaking my head when plan C was offered, at over $200. I felt like I had been slapped in the face.
I know that all of this had not been explained to me - that I was supposed to eat all of these rather bad tasting protein bars. When I explained that I would not be purchasing their LA Lites in bulk, I was told my three sessions were over and all I needed to do was show up and weigh in 3 times per week. I was actually told that I would not lose the inches if I did not use the LA Lites.
They drag out the 3 sessions just long enough that you cannot back out of the contract. I was so disgusted with myself for falling for such a stupid thing, that I called them up the next day and told them I would not be returning.
M of Miami, FL (07/01/06)
I am a counselor for LA weight loss centers and am sorry that many have had such bad experiences.
Unfortunately, clients are not the only ones the company misleads. They mislead their counselors - if we don't sell, we don't make money and for many of us this is our only source of income.
Wanda of Mt. View OK (06/01/06)
I joined the Lawton office a few weeks ago. I was told the my purchases had to be put on a creit card that they would get and it would be interest free for as long as I was on the program. That my monthly payment would not be more than $49.00 per mo. and that I could leave the program at anytime I wanted to. That I would only have to pay $149.00 plus the supplements I had used. When I got my first statment, my monthly payment was $100.00 and my account was over $3000.00 and now they are not letting me pay the amount of $149.00 plus supplements. I was told that they didn't give refunds.
Leah of Stanfield OR (04/01/06)
Well, I didn't try to get a refund, as they have signs posted everywhere about no refunds. I went in last year for a consultation and Stacy told me how much it would cost and I said I want to think about it. I made the mistake of bringing my kids who were acting up. Anyway, she said to me it will cost me at least $100 either way. Well, I was speechless, as I thought the consultation was free. My plan of grabbing the kids and making a break for it went out the window at that and I ended up with a new Care Credit card with $1,000 plus dollars on it.
The plans are not like they promote at all. They tell you that you can go into any restaurant and choose what you want but most approved itmes are salads. They tell you you can have ice cream, but once your in only non fat sugar free icecream. I thought it was going to be more of a moderation plan. For example a small amount of regular ice cream, and occasional dinner out, but it is very restrictive and they keep wanting you to buy more and more things. Anyway, I did okay for a while, but gave up and now have gained back all the weight I lost. Some, however, may be due to a recent thyroid problem that has been discovered.
Anyway, my suggestion is to people is to not even go in and talk to LA Weightloss, it is not as it seems on TV and radio at all.
Jan of El Paso TX (02/12/06)
Back in November, just before Thanksgiving, I went in to an LA Weight Loss Center to see about joining since in their TV ad they make it a point to say "No food to buy", etc. I liked the idea I could use my own food. When I went there, however, they bombarded me with all these supplements, some of which I would be unable to take because they contained iodine and I'm allergic to that. They also said I would have to use their nutrition bars in order for the system to work and to qualify "to get half my money back" at the end. Also to qualify, I HAD to go in three times per week for weighing and a consultation.
However, I found that their hours were very difficult for me to manage due to my work schedule. They were only open Monday through Friday from 9-7. On Saturdays they were only open from 9-1. One week, I had been SO swamped I could not get through until evening hours after 7 so made an effort to get in on Saturday. I had a client earlier that morning and so after that client, when the second one came in, I placed her in the chair and prepped her and then told her I would be right back because I needed to go down and get weighed. I raced down there (about 8 minutes from where I was) and got there JUST a couple of minutes before 1.
The door was already locked and the lights were off. I saw the woman who was the manager in there and tapped on the window. She opened the door finally and said she was already closed. I told her I HAD to get weighed because I had been unable to get in all week long. She was really snotty and said something like "well, I've already closed everything down" which made me really wonder because how much is there to just sticking someone on a scale and weighing them? It couldn't take more than 5 minutes!
Well, I told her then that I just didn't think this was going to work for me. She then retorted "Why? Because I close on time?" and I told her no, she had obviously closed early because the place was already locked and dark when I drove up in front of the door a couple of minutes BEFORE 1. I just left and they called two times after that and left messages on my machine telling me they had specials going on their nutrition bars but I never called them back.
Donna of Amarillo TX (12/09/05)
On Nov 30, 2005 I went in for my free evaulation. I decided to give the plan a try and was convinced to sign up for a plan that consisted of 84 weeks. At the time of signing the contract, I was not told that there is a three day grace period. As a matter of fact the counselor wrote on the contract that the program fee and program were both non-refundable. I was not shown the "particular" diet that I would be on but was told, "you'll never know you are on a diet".
I do know I am on a diet, I am not enjoying anything I am eating nor was I told of the cost of the LAlites. I guess that is my next visit. It's like that hook you with the evaulation, wait three days then have you come back in for another counseling session or whatever they call it. I am not very happy because I have spent $584 which I was told would be tax deductible....yeah right. I have gotten nothing but negative feedback from anyone who I have told that I have signed up for the ultimate weight loss SCAM!!!
Debbie of Brampton Ontario (11/22/05)
When I joined LA Weightloss they do not explain everything up front with you and once you have paid in full then the next visit they start to throw all of these products at you what they say you need to buy for the guarantee to be effective. They did not explain to me everything on the paper that I signed, my husband came in every consultation visit with me and not once did they say that you had to buy their LA Lites to get half of your money back once you hit your maintenance. I found an article on the website saying about their LA Lites and that you need to purchase them so I brought it in yesterday and asked about it and the girl said yes hon you do need to buy them and come in three times a week in order for the guarantee to be validated.
I told her that I was not told this and she said well you signed a paper and I said then I was not told everything on that paper she must have skipped a few things to make it sound good. I asked my husband again do you remember them mentioning this and he said no because I would have questioned it, so now I gave them almost 700.00 and they want me to spend another 1500.00 for the products or to buy them each week it would be 40.00 a week that is crazy. So my complaint is I would like my guarantee to be effective even if I don't buy their LA Lites. So I am hoping you can help. Thank you for your time. Debbie
Very upset and feel like I have been lied to. I will not recommend this program to anyone.
Patti of Warren, Pa (9/10/05)
I joined LA Weight Loss in July 2005. I started out at the Jamestown, NY location but that store closed. The closest one to me now is 1 1/2 hours away in Erie, PA. After my day shift, I would drive 1 1/2 hours to get there, spent about 15 minutes there, then drive back another 1 1/2 hours getting me at home at 6:30pm.
On August 12th, my job was eliminated and I had to go on the second shift (2:45pm-11pm). I called LA and explained everything to Kim. She said she would see what she could do. If I could just get back some of the $1,340 I paid, I would be happy. When I called back Kim said that I would get nothing back!
I was floored. I liked the program, but there is no way I can make it work with my new schedule.
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