LA Weight Loss Exposed

Did anyone notice the exact wording below shows up on this blog periodically? Do you think it might be a LAWeightLoss company planted comment?

Mark said:
I went to LA weightloss yesterday for my free consultation. I think people are ridiculous for putting LA Weightloss down. Ok. They say $7 a week and they are not lying. You pay on a basis of $7 a week, you just pay it up front. People just feel better about paying weekly, but things like weight watchers that charge you $12 a week actually end up co[...]

Hi there....I've been on the LA weight loss for about 2.5 months now and I want to tell you....don't worry about the bars or anything else they try to sell you. I spent 1200.00 dollars to join and then two days later they hit me with the bars.......it was going to cost an additional 1100.00 dollars. I was pist.....I just kept saying no it was to much money and they kept bugging me. I just told them that I was going to try it without the bars and if it didn't work then I would buys some. They were not impressed...they also said that they couldn't garentee the 2 pounds a week if I wasn't going to take the bars. I told them I would try it without and see what happends. HA! I've been lossing at least 2 pounds a week! Don't buy the bars you can do it with just the menu plan. They will tell you they will have to put you on a different menu plan and you have to eat a little bit more but it works and you don't have to use the bars! DON'T BUY THE BARS! You will do great without them.

I joined LAWL in September of 2006. Followed the program religiously and was only losing 1/2 pound per week. Due to a medical condition and allergies to peanuts, I was not able to buy the supplements or bars. This was all made very clear to the counselors from the first day. for the next two months, everytime I would go into the center, the counselors were either arguing amongst themselves about their work shifts or huddled together talking about a client who had just left the center. When it came time to weigh in, it seemed like a chore to them. THEN...they would say "you need to start doing the bars to lose more weight" EVERYTIME, I would tell them, that it is in my chart that I am not able to purchase the bars. I didn't purchase the lites either. I feel that customer service was non existent due to this. I finally became very frustrated with a counselor at the center named Mandy (South Pasadena Center)- she was quite rude to me and actually told me that she was going to "test" me on every food allowed in my plan! She said, I would have to memorize every item! I was in shock at the way she was talking to me! Needless to say we got into it! I am a 46 year old professional woman and I wasn't going to let her talk to me as if I were a child. I told her I wanted a refund and she laughed in my face. Long story short. I threatened to expose LAWL and her to the media and to take this story to Dr. Phil who I happen to work for! When I arrived to work, I called the Center Manager who was very sympathetic. Within 15 days I had my refund. All I can say, is Beware of LAWL. I have since gone back to WW and have lost close to 15 pounds. 5 more to go!

Can you buy bars off of Ebay and still get the %50 off at the end of your contract? I can't find where it says they have to be from the Centers. I want out of mine agreement so bad, but I want my 50% back. Please email me with options and ideas.

I joined in September of 2006 and found them to be frauds. Not only were the Counselors uniformed, they were quite rude when I refused to buy their products. After fourof putting of with their attitude, I called the Center Manager and told her I wanted out. She resisted at first, but when I told her I worked for the Studio where Dr. Phil shoots, and that I would go over to his office and personally expose them and have him do a segment on his show...she backtracked and faxed me the refund form to fill out. I received all my investment back. Be persistent, don't let these people take your money for services they are not providing!

I joined LA Weight Loss 16 weeks ago and I have lost 40 lbs. I truly enjoy the program and feel that the money I paid is well worth my well-being.

My program is in Canada so it is considerably more expensive than in the states. I paid $13/week plus $14.59 per LA lite box of 8 bars. I love the bars because it feels as if I get to eat 2 chocolate bars everyday and still lose weight! It also curbs my sweet cravings.

I do agree that their rebate deal is sketchy only because they don't really explain it in full unless you read their contract very closely. I also feel like the employees aren't always the best trained individuals, but weightwatchers is the same way. The only terms you have to meet at weightwatchers to be a leader is to reach your goal weight.

I am from Ontario Canada and while I agree with some of the previous posts that there is a friendly and welcoming atmosphere in the centres AND that there are some employees who are truly committed to their clientele(I worked with some of the people).....LA WEIGHT LOSS needs to something fast to turn some things around. I did lose weight on the program...ten pounds of tm target weight of twenty but I still owe a lot of money for a product that I do not want or use. I blame myself for not reading the contract more carefully but I also feel that the situation was misrepresented at the first meeting. I am going to try to get my money back...my brother is a lawyer so that helps. I really think there are some good things about this program but you need to
cagey about those nutrition bars and the financing of them.

Has any heard if their insurance pays for some of LA weight loss like Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers. I have Blue Cross and I am sure they said in their health plan LA weight loss is covered partially. At the center they said no butI don't believe them.

I find all of this extremely funny. Everyone of you are crying about the cost and how you feel pressured into buying more than you intended. A gym membership will cost roughly the same amount as your LAWL membership...it is less than $2 a day. People pay for program such as LAWL to lose weight and be accountable. The program includes the lites...it is mentioned to you every step of the way. This is what sets LAWL apart from other companies. Most Americans ( about 70%) take supplement and use protein bars everyday in their quest to lose weight and build muscle.Buy a fitness and/or health magazine and you will see that it is clearly proven to aid in weight loss. If you could do it on your own...you would...if not you get support. So what are your options....you sign up with for a weight loss program and get the tools and counseling that you need or you go home...buy a large bag of chips, a large bottle of soda and a chocolate bar every day and calculate how much that costs. Not to mention looking through your fridge and cuppboards and see how much money you spend on crappy food and Burger King. You are full of excuses because you dont want to make the commitment to yourself to lose weight. You are complaining because when you went home after not buying the lites and ate your favorite junk food because you had nothing to curb your cravings. This is a no nonsense, no excuses kind of program. The only reason that you are not losing the weight is because you are cheating and not following the plane. You can do it the slow way or the fast way, it is up to you. Did you read that...Yes..IT IS UP TO YOU to choose. You decide how you are going to do this. LAWL gives you the best tools to do it, the fastest and easiest way. By the way I lost 60 lbs in about 6 months....following the plan including the lites. They help for a million reasons!!

I am sorry to say that I was sucked into the la weight loss plan -- was able to join for only $624.11! I was told that when I achieved my weight loss goal I would be refunded 1/2 of my $$. I was given the la take off drink and told to eat only high protein low carb foods for 2 days. I was told I would never be hungry on this diet. I lost 5 lbs., returned, then was told that I would only be able to receive my 1/2 refund IF I purchased the LA Lites Bars. This was not my understanding when I joined. The counselor got really nasty with me and said that I would not be able to lose the weight if I didn't buy the bars. (She also stated that these "nutrition" bars had a special ingredient in them that helped the skin on a person's body shrink, so that when people lost weight, they wouldn't have skin hanging!) Preposterous claims! I asked the price & was told to buy in bulk - $1,000! I laughed and told her she was crazy if she thought I could spend this much on "nutrition" bars. Then she countered with a lower fee: $440.00. I said no thanks, I'd buy them as I went along, if at all. She said, "you never really intended to spend any money when you made this appointment, did you?" I told her, "I already gave you over $600.00! She begrudgingly terminated the appointment at that time. Once she heard I didn't want to buy a year's supply of bars, the appointment lasted about 5 more minutes. By the way, have you read the ingredients on the so-called LA Lites weight loss bars? Check it out: the first ingredient is CORN SYRUP, pretty bad if you want to keep your heart healthy. This stuff metabolizes like fat in your body! Also, the coating contains HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL. I'm not happy with LA Weight Loss and their scam. I am going to file a complaint with California's Consumer Fraud Division.

Hi, I joined LA Weightloss with my best friend (her idea, but my way was NOT working) September 23, 2006. Although shaped differently, we both have lost l3.8 pounds and over 8 inches! I exercise about 20-30 minutes, 5 days a week, but my friend doesn't, but exercising works for me. I agree that the "surprise" hidden costs of this program are shocking, but this plan is working for me. I now have less than 8 pounds to go to reach my goal, and I am feeling really good about myself! My clothes are getting really baggy, and most people I come in contact with, notice my weight loss.

I only use the Caramel Crunch bars, which are expensive, but taste OK and satisfy my need for something sweet. I also don't think you should buy the multivitamins, but use one that is OTC. As far as the counselors, we can usually request the same one who is very helpful. We spend about 1 hour with her, as we have with the other 3 counselors we have met with when she's not available. The biggest problem I have is that I can NOT cook and HATE vegetables with a deep passion! However, other health problems have made it clear that I needed to start eating right! I tried Weight Watchers in the past and lost 18 pounds, but gained that back, plus collected some more. :) Some additional benefits are me saving money from not eating out as much, as well as no longer feeling pain in my knees.

As stated before, all weight loss programs are going to have some cost associated with it. Weight loss is BIG business! I think anyone can lose weight once they make their mind up to do so, and commit to their plan! I'm real proud of myself for taking control of my health and I can't wait until I make my goal weight! Good luck!

Hello there everyone, So I had gone last night for a FREE consultation. I listened to what had to be said to me. I have more then enough alleries to kill someone, when i read the ingredients to the Lite Bars, mentioned to the woman working at LAWL that i wouldn't be able to use the product, she in so many words said well, then this program will not work out for you. Therefore, I was able to save my money. Thanks goodness!!!!
Anyhow, I am in need of help and all current members from LAWL would be able to help me. I have heard that LAWL jump start two week program is great to get your body started in losing weight. Does anyone have the information that you could send me?? Please email me at Mderr22@comcast.net

Thanks for all your help!!!

I went in to L.A. Weight Loss this afternoon because I was looking for information. I don't have a lot to lose...just 10 to 15 lbs. However, I saw a commercial about losing 10 pounds before New Years and I thought, why not? According to my "personalized" plan, it would take about 6 weeks to lose the weight, BUT the program includes MANDATORY steps of 6 weeks of maintenence, and then 6 or 12 months of stabilization. Initially, I was quoted $10 a week, but when I was shocked at that, the salesperson pulled the old used-car-salesman "let me check with my manager" trick. Sleazy. Then she came back with the "good news" that she could lower the weekly rate to $5 because there was a "sale" starting tomorrow. Totally sleazy.

When all was said and done, it was going to cost me over $600 to lose 12 pounds. SIX-HUNDRED DOLLARS!!! Whatever.

P.S. Tell them you are allergic to soy and can't buy the bars. Then buy them on e-bay.

I joined LAWL in Chandler Arizona in October. I thought I asked all of the right questions before I signed the contract, including if it was OK to bring my 2-year-old to the appointments. Diane (facility manager) was very obliging and assured me that I'd love her. This made me assume that she'd be my nutritionist. My next scheduled appointment 2 days later (only 1 day left to cancel), was with Cindy who was on the program herself and had failed to achieve her goals. It crossed my mind to cancel right then because I was misled into thinking that Diane would be my counselor, but I was thinking that I hadn't even really started anything yet! So I went for a few weeks, meeting with Cindy most of the time and occasionally being bounced around to whomever was there. I hated the lack of accountability to one "counselor." Cindy was very nice and patient with my daughter, but really had no idea what she was talking about. She also pushed the LA Lites and vitamins at each appointment. After being discouraged several times, I scrounged up some money to buy some Lites. As an over-eater (a problem which is probably common among most overweight people), those bars were like candy to me.

After a couple of weeks, I met with Patty Wynne (a head manager) and voiced my concerns that the other counselors didn't know what they were talking about. She gave me her cell number and 4 complimentary boxes of Lites.

At my final visit before Thanksgiving, I entered the facility to sign in for my visit. I was standing at the front desk listening to the end of a conversation between 2 employees, one of them stating "I hope that a white person wins because a black person always wins." I was shocked that they would have that conversation at all, but most of all at the front desk with a client in the building. When they finally noticed I was standing right in front of them, Patricia (whom I'd met with before) had to look at the sign up sheet to see my name and took me back. There were very few visits when somone actually greeted me. At this visit, Patricia proceeded to "suggest" several things that just didn't mesh with my family life. When I told her that I overate that weekend and asked why I did that, she responded, "I don't know, I'm not a psychiatrist . . . I'm a counselor." I felt like an idiot and was irritated that she made me feel like it was a psychiatrist I needed. Her frustration was obvious when she snapped at my 2-year-old for trying to pick up the phone on her desk sharply saying, "Just leave it alone!" The visit was clearly over when she stood up, asked if I needed any Lites and walked to the front desk. I said that I did need some LA Lites and even had the money to buy them. She threw my file on the front desk and called the next client back to get weighed. I was confused for a minute that she didn't respond to my response to her question. I had to find some random woman to get the Lites for me. She asked my name so she could find the file and give the right counselor "credit" for my purchase.

I left the facility so upset and irritated. I called the next day to speak to Diane (manager) to get a refund. Before I could even say anything, she said, "Is this what you talked to Patricia about yesterday?" I didn't know what she was referring to, so she said, "We're just not equipped to handle the emotional problems you have" and suggested that I go see my doctor. I asked for my money back and she said there was no way to get it back. I called Patty Wynne to ask for the refund and she suggested that I call the next day when she was at the facility.

I called again the next day and Patty said that after reviewing my file, she'd seen several "suggestions" that should have worked and that there are a lot of people on the program that have been able to lose the weight without complaints. When I asked her if it was policy to tell unsatisfied clients that they needed to see a doctor for emotional problems, she replied that that bit of information was not noted in my file. Humm, interesting that they'd conveniently write down all of their other "suggestions" but forget to write down their concern for my emotional welfare.

I've called a few people and have had no resonse to any of my complaints. I paid over $600 for the program and with my first complaint call originally planned on asking for a partial refund, willing to take responsibility for my stupid mistake of actually signing the contract. The longer this goes on, the higher my price goes.

If you're willing to shell out this much money, spend it on a personal trainer! They know what they are talking about and you'll get the much needed benefit of exercise!

Jeez, what a bunch of whining babies. I agree with Julie above. No matter what plan you do, it is going to cost you money. I bet a bunch of you have purchased crappy machines and videos off tv for 100's of dollars that you threw in the closet after a month. Can you say thighmaster? What do you expect? A health club costs 40 per month plus joiners fee plus 50 per session for a personal trainer plus they try to sell you the same stuff. What's the difference?

There is a cost associated with providing a service. You pay a portion of that cost up front for the plan, then another portion weekly because you are going there and theres is a cost associated with havinf the place open and staffed, and finally to make extra money they try to sell products as a profit center. The gall. You don't have to buy the products, just say......um I think the word is NO! Of course if you could say no, you wouldn't be in this situation because you would actually have some self control. Don't blame them for your weakness. And as far as the point of getting money back later IF you meet your plan and buy the bars, that's ridiculous. the money you get back is less than the cost of the bars...duh. People pay starbucks and caribou coffee 25.00 a week and dont blink an eye, but oh my god if it's spent on proteing bars then it's suddenly a rip-off.

Everybody wants everything for a reasonable cost. But who determines reasonable? If you were reasonable you wouldn't be blaming them for your inability to say no or understand the costs up front. You people can't take personal responsibilty for your situation so you blame them. It doesnt come on a silver platter. By the way, I am not affiliated with nor have I used their services. I was researching them because I am interested in using them. And I think I probably will now!

I started on LA Weightloss after seeing amazing results from a co-worker. Yes, it is expensive. I did buy the bars but not the vitamins or shakes. The support at the office was wonderful. I didn't lose much pound-wise, but I was losing inches left & right. My clothes started to hang off me. Then I moved. I kept up with my meal plan, found a center in my new location & hated it. The people there were just NOT supportive. I think it all depends on the people you deal with.

I notice everyone is complaining about the cost of LA weight loss...if you really gave it a try you'd see that it works...that is if you have the time and money to spend on it. I did it and as a 23 year old who is almost fresh out of college i managed to pay it off within 4 months. If you want it, you'll do it and if you stick to the program to the T you will have no problem. The inches fall right off. They are very money hungry, I agree. But if you don't want it and it isn't something for you, then go somewhere else and tally up how much you spend on services, food and your gym membership.

I have been on LA Weightloss for 9 weeks and have easily lost 12 lbs. I believe that the portion control and knowledge that at 50 something you just can't really eat much salt/starch and fat if you expect to be healthy and under 32" around the middle. It was more money than I expected however you have incentives to get some of the money back if you meet your goals. I have found the counselors genuinely concerned. They do push the lites, etc. especially if you are prone to snacking on sweets and salt, because they know it works to keep your blood sugar up. I haven't been able to loose weight since I was 45 yrs old. because our metabolism changes, this has been life changing for me and I don't consider myself on a "diet" I will always eat and exercize this way for the rest of my life. Do it! they teach you a lot about yourself so you can help yourself forever.

La weight loss has changed my life! I have read a lot of the comments on here and here is my story! I did LA weight loss 2 years ago. After college I was 5'1 and a 180 lbs (not a nice weight to be) I am now 129lbs, and have been for 2 years. It is true that this program can be very expensive. I did spend about $1500, but it was the best money I have ever spent. i am a completely different person. My advice to anyone who is interested in this program to know a few things. It is expensive and you get out of it what you put in. You do have to be strict with the diet plan. I bought the bars for my weight loss period and my stabilization period. I told the counselors that I would see about the 52 weeks of maintenance when it came time and I never purchased them after I lost the weight. You do not need them to maintain the weight. But if you are ready to lose weight and have some money to spare, this is the best program out there. I recommend it to anyone. I am living proof it works and the weight stays off. I went from a size 14 to a size 5! Don't buy the supplements...total waste of money!

This program has worked for friends of mine.My concern with them is that they do not stress the so critical element of exercise as much as they should. I am from Canada and it is considerably more expensive up here I think. I think that the money is money well spent if permanent weight loss and adoption of a more healty lifestyle is encouraged...I am not totally convinced that this is their philosophy but judging from other comments here this program has turned things around for some people which is great.

Hi Whitney, I read your experience at the Chandler location and it's like I was the person you were talking about. I too met with Diane on October, she was so great and I spent over $600 dollars for the program. Later I also met with Cindy she kept pushing the products. She finally convinced me to buy a package deal for the la-lites. Once I bought them she didn't seem to have the time of day for me and even seemed annoyed that I was refusing to my any more products. The young receptionist is also rude and she always looks at you up and down. I too am really dissapointed and want my money back please let know how that is going.

Thanks so much to everyone for these comments, I run a very successful weightloss company in Australia and have been researching LA Weightloss as one of our competitors - particularly looking at their (appauling) sales strategy. I am glad I was not the only one to find it a scam.
PS. Just a note, if you are not losing at least 1 kilogram (2 pounds?) a week on a program , you are on the wrong program!

i just started la weight loss on tuesday and got weighed yesterday (wednesday) already lost 2 pounds and that was one day. i know that the first two days are a cleansing but seriously whatever works for you just stick to a plan and get over it!! if u want it you can do it :)

I have just became a LA Weight LOss employee and client. So call me a little bias. I needed a job so I heard they were hiring and applied. I learned through the training I received that the program was something that was right for me. It is a little pricey. But think about it... how much do we spend on things that are not good for us. We have a program that WORKS! I have seen people lose weight and I have lost 11 lbs in just 3 weeks. I feel really bad that people have had bad experiences with LA Weight Loss. But I can say one thing they have corporate offices and franchises and they are run completely different. We(corporate)do not lie and make false claims about our products. That's a one way ticket to the unemployment office. And the bars are a part of the program that have been show by studies that they help people to stay satisfied. I have not met a client yet that has said they could do the program without them. I know they help me alot because I am a big snacker. And I have done my own research with other protein bars and shakes and the prices are about the same ours are just exclusive to LA Weight Loss and cannot be purhased anywhere only in our centers. I always tell clients just think about the money you would be spending on junk food, fast food and other things. I know I could spend about $30 to $40 a week or more on such things. And this is a program that will help you for the rest of your life. We want our clients to be successful. We understand how hard it is to lose weight. People who come into our center 3 times a week and follow their menu plan have been very successful on the program. I personally know other employees who have lost considerable amounts of weight. That was the trigger for me. I love my job it is very rewarding. And I am not talking monetarily. I feel great when someone comes in and they are losing weight and feeling good about themselves for the first time in their life. I have cried with clients and have had them tell how much they love me for helping them. I could work for other companies and make more money but I love what I do. And if I can change someones life and fullfill their dreams I have done my job well. Give us a break guys and get educated about us. 17 years and counting means we are doing something right. And who would buy food off ebay. That's gross!!!

John said:
Is there an acceptable substitute for the la lites bars that i can buy cheaper at the grocery store. they are just too expensive for me and i agree with the above post that it can help curb the sweet cravings. Isn't there something that has similar nutritional value that i can get? any help will be greatly appreciated.[...]

I joined a few years ago -- but stopped going once I achieved my desired weight. The franchise had difficult hours for weigh ins and finally just went out of business. Unfortunately, I lost about ten boxes of bars when they folded == you know how you buy them on "sale" but they dole them out a few at a time. For anyone who chooses to join, get ALL your purchases upfront! They might not be in business tomorrow. Personally, I think the reason I lost weight had more to do with increasing my physical exercise -- instead of wasting money on bars, invest in a tread mill and use it. If you can't afford that, buy some sneakers and a pedometer and walk --and watch your portion sizes. You really don't need special foods, just eat normal food, just less of it and exercise.

LA weightloss is AWESOME..... I lost 65pds and my sister lost 70pds.... Its a GREAT program you just have to have will power. I was one who used to eat sooo much and all the wrong things, and LA weightloss not only helped me lose weight, but it also helped me change my eating lifestyle

NY

Belle said:
LA weightloss is AWESOME..... I lost 65pds and my sister lost 70pds.... Its a GREAT program you just have to have will power. I was one who used to eat sooo much and all the wrong things, and LA weightloss not only helped me lose weight, but it also helped me change my eating lifestyle By the way I wasn't too consistent w/ the bars but I did follow through w/ the program[...]

I went to LA weight loss about a year ago. Yeah, it was expensive, but I tried it. I was unable to use their products, and I was unable to eat many of the items on their diet plan. I have food allergies; dairy, wheat, corn, soy, tomato. Not much left to eat. After a very short time, this diet became more of a burden than any kind of delight. They were not happy that I could not use any of 'their foods' (expensive and full of chemicals and foods that aren't good for you anyway).

I would not use the artificial sweeteners that they wanted me to use. They are chemical or corn syrup substitues which are unhealthy to consume (and they want you to use them??). I opted for sugar, honey, and maple syrup which are natural and better for you, and they kept trying to talk me in to using the bad stuff.

This is a horrible diet for someone with food allergies. Even though they try to help, it just doesn't work and they were unable to adapt it to my needs without making me feel even more food deprived than I already was; and they would not release me from the diet and give me my money back, I had to do what I could with the diet until my membership was up. So if you have any kind of food allergies, stay away from this place.

My GOODNESS LA weightloss is a HUGE ripoff! I went there about a year ago, and they weighed me, and told me that my ideal weightloss was 100 lbs, which was fine, but then they told me that it would cost me 1000.00+ to do so. She also told me about those supplements, that are "optional". She tried to get me to pay 200.00 up front, and I told her that I was a college student, and if they could do lower monthly payments, it'd be fine, but she INSISTED that we could not go any further unless I had the money, so I even tried to apply for one of their stupid card things, but thank GOD I wasn't approved. She did end up calling me a couple days later asking me if i was still interested, but I had joined a gym.

Just wanted folks to try out www.nutrisystem.com . They are VERY reasonable. My sister, mom, husband, and myself are doing well on this program. It gives you a nice boost then at your own pace you can phase yourself out or use some of their products sprinkled in with making real food.

Please try this before you drop a ton of money into the LA system.

I joined la weightloss a month ago. I have lost only four lbs. I wanted to opt out of the program but I am sure it is too late. I purchased only half of the lites that they requested because I just didn't have the money. Everything that they tell me is what I already know about dieting. The lites are okay but I just read comments about bars that I can purchase at Walmart. My question is has anyone ever received their money back from this company? If so, how did you do it? I just do not think this program is right for me.

"P.S. Tell them you are allergic to soy and can't buy the bars. Then buy them on e-bay."

So it is always great when people complain about losing weight and paying for a service that they don't think is going to work then lie about medical problems and are quoted the wrong program that is 300-500 calories more than what they should be consuming because they are not only buying the bars but are using the program that is intended for people who can not use them therefore you will be "saving money" and then gaining or staying the same weight. LA weightloss is a business and believe it or not its not FREE. As for the bars they break down to 2 dollars a bar at the most. I spend more than that on dunkin donuts coffee each day. Some people even prefer a starbucks each day...up to 600 calories and it costs more than your two la lites per day. If it fits into your lifestyle and is a quick easy snack fine. As for the hydrogenated oils...this one truly cracks me up. Unless you are shopping for all natural foods there will always be something bad for you in your food. Lets take ketchup as an example....it contains red food dye which is the exoskeleton of a beetle found in Africa. Or how about the pesticides on fruits and veggies? Or would anyone like a side of E.coli with some spinach? No matter what you do there is going to be risks, it is just deciding what risk is worth taking. I personally use the bars and have found great success on LA weightloss. Going into it being a well informed consumer and asking the right questions is one thing, but going in and treating the counselors like they are useless is the reason that they may be huddling around talking about when their shift ends. I treat them how I would want to be treated, ask direct questions and you will receive direct answers regardless of the commission they might make.

I also was drawn in by LA Weight Loss. I even told them rigtht up front that I couldn't do any of the food becuase I have a sensitivity to packaged foods of most kinds. They still tried to sell them to me. They told me that the LA lites were optional until I signed the contract and paid my money. Then they told me I couldn't get my rebate unless I ate the LA lites every day. I was so confused by the three day wait that I didn't ask for my money back until after the three days. You have to wait the three days while they get the okay from your doctor supposedly. Does anyone know if they really fax the permission form to your doctor? Is that just a ploy to make you wait beyond the three days of getting a refund? I have been told by the manager of my local office that the regional manager would call me. Noone has called me or sent me a letter or email. Nothing. It's like I don't exist.

I was wondering if anyone is interested in filing a class action law suit. Let me know and let's see what we can do. They have $300.00 dollars of my money that I want to get back. If we band together it might be easier for us all to get our refunds.

I am very sorry that I did not read these comments regarding LAWL a long time ago. I feel that I was totally scammed and lost a huge chunk of cash with this program. When I called to talk to the manager, nobody returned my call. I called again to talk to a regional manager/supervisor and again, no return phone call. Maybe Dr. Phil should do a story on the unfortunate tactics used by LAWL.

My wife and I joined LA Weight Loss in October and have lost 20 pounds each. We didn't feel the plan was expensive considering it stretches over weight loss, sustainment, and maintenance for over a year. If you make you target weight, they refund 1/2 your money - not too bad. I chose not to buy the bars. My wife bought them and although we feel they are a bit expensive, they help her stay on plan and that's worth it. We haven't bought any supplements nor have been pressured to do so. Each center is a franchise, so they will vary in quality, high-pressure sales tactics, etc. Ours is well-run and the staff is always professional and courteous. This program takes commitment - they are no magic pills - just proper diet and exercise. This is a lifestyle change that requires time and discipline. Don't expect miracles, especially if you're not willing to do the work, but if you follow the program it works!

be careful!!.. the diet does work to a degree but remember that any drastic change in caloric intake will change your weight..you will lose "weight" but what weight are you losing?.. are you losing fat? i doubt it.. if you are eating alot of this sugar you are not losing fat but valuable muscle and water!!!!!... the protein bars if you read them are way too high in sugar..most of their product are full of sugar.. READ THEM!!!.. if you go off this plan OR ANY DIET PLAN AND GO BACK TO THE SAME WAY YOU WERE EATING BEFORE *YOU WILL GAIN WEIGHT BACK* people spoke so bad about the atkins plan or any high protein diet... you have to gradually add a certain amount of carbs back in your diet once you reach your goal then live that way....build your muscle to help your metabolism... you have to find a way of eating that you can live with....just get rid of all the over-processed foods in your diet... all the white rice, white flour, white sugar or sugar period, pasta that is not whole wheat and you will be healthier... i know for a fact that this company lied to their counselors and to their customers about many products that they were pushing... do yourself a favor, go to a REAL DOCTOR OR WEIGHT TRAINER OR NUTRITIONIST not to a diet center who dresses up in lab coats to look like they know what they are talking about... they go to training to tell you what you want to hear....

I have never tried LA weight loss but just had a baby and was thinking about looking into it!! Glad I found this site first instead of being in the throws of the consult!! I would recommend the womens day diet you can find it on the magazines website. It sounds very similar to this plan and is completely free. I am going back to that plan!!

I worked for this company for 2 years. Please stay away from this diet. If you are need the support and accountability, with out preportioned food, go to weight watchers. I have been in the weightloss business for 20 years and the time I spent working for this company was horrible. I guess I stayed as long as I did was I love helping people lose weight. But all those clients came in with the desire to lose and were really ready to lose. Motivated.
I felt guilty selling a program and products that I did not believe in. Selling high sugar content bars that was used in between meals, was so wrong. (2 bars a day - 50 grams of sugar ,that is so bad) there is approx. 24+ grams of sugar in each bar. There are approx. 12 different flavors. But you can go to any store that sells high sugar bars and get something very simular to the la lites. for a fraction of the price - $14.00 per box. You need 2 boxes per week. (prices very per market)
Oh, i also had to talk the client into spending 1000's of dollars on bulking the bars. Oops... forgot to mentions that to them when they enrolled.(spending lots of money to purchase program) They didn't learn about that until their 3rd visit to the center. By that time it is really hard for them to get all their money back if they were mad enough to get a refund.
You can lose weight on this program without the bars. This diet is actually a good and healthy diet. But you are not usually allowed not to use the bars unless you are medically unable to.
A major problem is that the training is poor for most of the staff.
The negative comments on the blog, are comments I heard everyday. I was a manager and was lucky enough to have to take care of all the negative situations. I was there to help people to lose weight and I always felt bad when they couldn't afford it. I would figure out something to help them. This was against corp rules but I took the chance.
Everyone (except receptionists) are on commission. Of course that is their job. The base pay sucks. So these poor women and men have to hustle to make a decent living. The more stuff they sell, you get the picture.
the Take- off juice ($23.95) is the Hollywood diet drink(10.00 or less). The exact drink. Same manufacturer. different label.
Supplements are a con, you can get the same at the health food store.
I can go on and on.
Bottom line - you can lose weight on this diet. But the weight loss will come from you being consistent on you food intake. You can do the same on other less expensive programs.
Like the original review says, there has been legal problems and the company has split apart. There is a corporate side and a franchise side. they share the same building, but they put a big wall up to seperate the to companies.(what is that..?) you can not transfer you membership from a corp center to a franchise center. you are not told this when you purchase you program. be sure to ask your counselor for details.
Good Luck to everyone who decides to try La
Weightloss.
Jenny Craig is a great program is you need preportioned food. More expensive - but you can do a budget menu to keep the cost down.

I have to agree with most of the posts on here. I tried this program out a year ago. I got to my "free" consultation and I was so excited. They pulled me in HOOK... LINE... and SINKER!! I ended up getting on their Care Credit program because there was no way I could afford close to 1,000 up front. The minute I got home I found an online group of other women LA Weight loss and told them I think I made the wrong decision. Asking if they felt pressured too.. most of them did. I decided rather then tell my husband that I had put that money out and have to hear it from him for months that I would try to apply myself to it and loose weight. I did while I was on it but I got so sick of them telling me that I needed the LA Lites and supplements. Finally I dropped it. I really feel that they are not up front about this program. Sure it works.. but most diet programs do if you apply yourself and follow them. I just dont think that its worth that much money up front. And they are not quick to tell you all of the "small print" when you first walk in the door. Buyers beware.. dont fall for it.