LA Weight Loss Exposed

You eat all of your own food (except the bars, which are optional). They help you with the # of servings from each group as well as specify what a serving size is. Of course water is important. The supplements are also optional. I have lost 70 lbs in a year (could've been more, but i didnt stick to the plan 100percent) I love this plan - even though the cost is high - well worth it to me

I did loose 70 lbs using the plan and I am thankful for what I learned about portion control so I am not out to bash LAWL. It is expesnive, but so are self help books, gym memberships, Weight Watchers, gastric bypass and everything else out there. I was somewhat dismayed when I signed up and then 3 days later found out about the cost of the bars and that the free extra weeks guarantee was not good unless you ate the bars...I wish I had been told that up front because they may have changed my mind about signing up. I can't eat the bars because of the soy protien and since I got a not from my doctor, which they required me to do, I was able to get my money back for those and was "exempt" from that portion. The main reason I don't want to go back is because of how I feel sometimes...some of the counselors are VERY sweet and I think they understand the strugle and really do care and others I don't think they have any idea what it's like to be overweight. As I said in my previous post I needed to loose around 150 pounds, an entire person and although loosing any amount of weight is difficult I truly understand that needing to loose 100 + pounds is somewhat different then needing to loose 20 - 30. My body was more than happy to shed the first 30-40 lbs but after a while it's not so happy to loose weight and I don't think LAWL is really made for people that need to loose as much as I do. I know there are some success stories for people loosing that much but not a lot. Every person is different and they have different motivations and some programs will work others won't. I've used all my weeks and don't plan to give them anymore money...I'm working with my doctor...who REALLY knows what I should weigh (and it isn't the 140 lbs I had told LAWL...she thinks I should aim for 160) and what will be healthy for me and will be starting a program at my local YMCA.

I think the LAWL Center is one of the greatest things that ever happened to me. Sure I did not lose the weight at first because I did not do the program. I got depressed about my weight and went back in to talk to them to please help me. I was not yet out of weight loss weeks I think I had 2 left. I purchased more weeks on sale at $3.00 a week. I got back on track and in 5 weeks lost 13 pounds. I put back on 4 on vacation the week before christmas. but now I am my way down again. I tried the bars at first. But after spending so much money asked not to do the bars because I was not doing the program correctly anyway. I have never felt pressured to buy anything or treated less than cordail even though I do not do the bars. I have tried some of the supplements but can not take the appetite suppressent because of some of a medication I am on. I think the Natures Reply tea that helps keep you regular is the greatest. I look forward to losing all the weight. I know this program works if you stick to it. I really look foward to my visits because the staff is so helpful and encouraging. I recommend this program for anyone who is serious about weight loss. God Bless the local staff of LAWL in Pensacola Florida!

I just join LA Weight Loss! My total cost to loss 92 pounds is $579.00. At first I almost had a heart attack about the cost but decided to give it a world anyway! I paid $330 down and bank drafted the rest from my account over the next three months. The counselors where very nice at first and then as I question the price they got a little fussy. I put my foot down and the price went from $728 to $579. Its expensive don't get me wrong but I believe I'm worth it. Also I am more likely to stick to something when my money is invested in it also. After reading all the things other have posted I think I will buy the LA Lites from another source. I know the program works because two of my family members have been on it and have had great results that have lasted. Wish me Well! Thanks for all the advice I won't get ripped off with the bars!

I've been on the program for 11 weeks now. In that time I have lost 19.5" and 25lbs. Yes it is expensive but when I get the weight off it will very worth it. The people are all very nice and helpfull and encouraging.I was losing very slowly eating 2 bars a day, but now I have 1 bar and 1 hot chocolate each day and I'm losing faster.In 4 days I lost 3lbs. I dont use the take off juice I use some juice I get at walmart much cheaper. I dont use the supplements either. I also use slimfast high protein in place of theirs. I'm looking better and feeling better and that is worth any amount of money.

oh all this sounds so familiar... to make a long story short... i have been through the whole LA weighloss center scam...the only difference with me is i realized it was a scam before they knew i realized....so i played along with their little game never telling them i knew they were trying to cheat me... i went and got a dr. note stating that i was not suitable for the program..only i had already given them a $400 check..so now i had to play my cards right so that they couldnt cash the check... i read in the contract that if your check is dishonored for any reason (ie..stopping the check) they had authorization to auto debit your bank account. so when i realized that even if i stopped my check it would be debited.. i went to close my bank account.. all this time they had no idea that i was onto them.. it was only after 2 days of being there.. i tried to take it a step further by calling them and acting like an airhead and asking them for the check i wrote them back because i had written it from the wrong bank account (lie)..so they fell for my bullshit story just like i fell for theirs and i got my check back and lived happily ever after...oh wait... the entire time this ws happening.. i heard them chit chatting about the non refundable set up fee of $150.. i was laughing on the inside and walked away scott free with 2 free boxes of their disgusting la lites that they had given me.. one of these days i just want to confront the 2 counselors i worked with and tell them how dishonest they were... and i will name drop as well.PAT AND SHERYL FROM THE SHEEPSHEAD BAY, BROOKLYN OFFICE.. Sheryl lured me in my being so "in love" with my new infant and PAT sold me the chocolate and when i asked her if i could replace it with a fruit or somehing she said ABSOLUTELY NOT..very interesting since in the handbook it says that they are OPTIONAL...really this was a waste of time, energy and emotion.. i have taken the opportunity to warn everyone i know of this scam that preys on unhappy overweight people. WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND.

I just joined LAWL on Friday. I guess I should have researched more before I joined, but my consultation was a positive experience, so I'll try to stay positive. First off, the center manager did my consultation, and SHE actually x'd out the part of the contract stating that you had to do the LA Lites for the program guarantee. She told me up front that they were optional. She also wrote into the contract that I can go 2-3 x's per week and still get the guarantee. I started my 2-day take off phase today and go in tomorrow to get my meal plan. I hope that appointment goes as well. :-)

This program works when you do it. The LA Lites help keep me satisfied, they taste good, and soy protein's good for your body. If you're worried about the content of any of them (bars, drinks, soup), ask your counselor. He/she will be happy to explain them to you, and reaffirm WHY you're consuming them on your program. If you can't afford them, tell your counselor you're allergic to soy or you have kidney stones or something. Main ingredient in the bars is soy protein, so if you tell a counselor that, they'll go the shake route, which have whey protein. Kidney stones, people... no la lites of any variety, no dent in the wallet, everyone's happy. For me though, I love them and I feel they're well worth it. And now they're REQUIRED when you're a new client who's medically eligible, no more optional (at least in new york). Try them for a while and see the benefits (more than just keeping you full, there's lots of good stuff about them). Like other programs (ahem, Jenny Craig, nutrisystem), you have to use their stuff to do it. That's just the nature of the beast. I understand that weight is a sensitive issue for all of us, and if you can't deal with buying what they're selling, then maybe you should question why you're going to that particular institution for help with weight loss.

My comment comes directly from the horses mouth...I was so excited to get a job there, I really believe in health and a healthy weight for everyone..I went through training which primarily revolved on how to sell their products...and get as much money as possible...corporate sets weekly goals which are impossible to achieve...so you have to push really hard....what i sadly discovered after being in the center for 2 weeks is they could care a less about weight loss only the bottom dollar...I was counseling a client who was very upset about her weight, and how she felt about herself..I am very compassionate and listened to her and remotivated her and she left feeling ok about herself....I was promptly told not to waste that much time on them because they all have problems and did i sell her anything, I am supposed to sell 35 dollars worth of product to every person who comes in EVERY VISIT !!!!! I told my manager she didnt need any product and she said i didn't hear you mention anything..... what nerve..she could have cared a less about that poor lady...I promptly gave notice because i am an ethical person and cannot lie every day to clients and still look at myself in the mirror..if i can save one person from joining this program i will feel better......oh and if you are trying to get a refund good luck they will lie right to your face about it and laugh at you behind your back...I witnessed this personally and am disgusted..I regret ever applying for that job and will chalk it up to a lesson learned.

I can save you alot of money. Here's the LA weight loss plan. One fat, one dairy, two starches, three fruit, three vegetables, two proteins. For quick weight loss every few weeks (and the first day of the diet) drink 100% juice combination for two days along with protein only (steak, chicken, eggs) You can exchange one glass of wine for a fruit (but better no alcohol). One starch is a 3/4 cup cooked rice. Think of a computer mouse size portion of starch, protein and you'll be safe. I lost 14 pounds. You can buy soybased bars (like Luna) around 100 calories at trader joes for less money (even a regular grocery store)- chocolate ones great! Lots of water is always the key. Be accountable to weigh in with someone 3 times a week and that is the plan!! I saved you hundreds of dollars!

I can save you alot of money. Here's the LA weight loss plan. One fat, one dairy, two starches, three fruit, three vegetables, two proteins. For quick weight loss every few weeks (and the first day of the diet) drink 100% juice combination for two days along with protein only (steak, chicken, eggs) You can exchange one glass of wine for a fruit (but better no alcohol). One starch is a 3/4 cup cooked rice. Think of a computer mouse size portion of starch, protein and you'll be safe. I lost 14 pounds. You can buy soybased bars (like Luna) around 100 calories at trader joes for less money (even a regular grocery store)- chocolate ones great! Lots of water is always the key. Be accountable to weigh in with someone 3 times a week and that is the plan!! I saved you hundreds of dollars! I go on in now (I did pay the big bucks)in my own way. But the only thing you buy from them is the take off drink (which is just several types of juice) and the bars or snacks. You can snack on small amounts (remember computer mouse) of baked chips for again...way less moolah!!

Your statement is not true. not everyone loses 2 lbs a week. Some more, some less, all depends on their health and metabolism.

Michelle said:
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 pou[...]

hi...ive been reading this blog since i join a week ago...i was just wondering if anybody could explain to me the reason why we have to eat two of these bars a day...i tried it the first few days but two bars were just to heavy on my stomach...the other thing is on the contract it says you must buy the bars but doesnt say how many...do i have to buy the whole years worth from them??? if anybody can help thanks

Mason, your check is in the mail, haha.

I have lost 42 lbs on la weight loss and loved it! yes as everyone else said it is a little expensive to pay at one time, but if you break it down over a long period it is worth it. Nothing else worked for me and it totally changed my life! I am 34 years old and smaller than I was even in high school. Anyone doubting this please talk to me first!

Before everyone goes thanking Mason, she should really get her facts straight if she wants to help people. Not everyone is on the same # of starches, protein, etc. It definately varies depending on weight, height and medical history. 1 starch serving is 1/3 cup cooked rice NOT 3/4 cup. Right there Mason had you having 3 starches in one meal. Don't get me wrong, I know she is trying to save you money but she is not accurate. Most healthy women between the ages of 18-64 would have 2 proteins,3 fruits,2 starches,1 fat,1 dairy,3 veggies and 2 la lites. However it can definately vary depending on your weight. Food increases if you weigh more,are a senior or a male or have diabetes etc.

Lorraine, I think the point Mason proved is that other than the teeny weeny starch servings, that sounds like a pretty standard dietitian diet to me. Of course, they have to save carb for the bars, which are chock full of it.

A standard dietitian 1,400 cal diet is:

2 proteins (deck of cards size), 3 carb/starch (2 slices bread is one serving, or one ladle full of cooked rice or pasta), 3 fruit, 4 vegetable, 2 dairy, 2 fat (one serving is 1 tsp).

So that is the "holy grail" people are paying so much money for. A pretty standard diet with overpriced Luna bars.

I am new to LA Weight Loss also. I found the program was expensive. But it is my health and my life at risk. So the expense is worth it to lose the weight. I also relazied that I am not buying the junk food which equals out to what I pay for the bars. I bought in bulk and it saved money as opposed to buying one week at a time. I did have a few questions for anyone that can answer: What is the deal with the 50% back? I do not remember this? I live in CT. Is this applicable to me or does this no longer apply? Also, for those of you who were upset about the LA Lites, my contract specifically states LA Lites are required. Maybe I lucked out and got a good counselor who was very forthcoming on this. So far I have lost 6 pounds. I am very happy and satisfied. I think if I stick with it this will work. Anyone no when you switch to a new program, ie go from red to blue?

I went in today for my 3 official visit-the visit where they try to sell you all the stuff- and yes, I ended up spending $300 on their bars. But first she had a "great" offer for me: buy them for the whole program and safe fantastic $500! yes, but pay up front over $1000.. I mentioned Ebay and she came with arguments such as: that is illegal, we are suing the seller, where is the proof that you are really taking the LA lights .., however she felt that she could not sell me stuff for $1000++ and lowered the price to something I could swallow (even if it leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth). I am doing this program because it would not work on my own (I tried it) and after I spend all the money I will stick to it and get my money worth. I am not too surprised about what they want. All the other companies would charge me as well and try to sell their stuff. If it really works and I get what I want, then it was worth the money. I would spend the money otherwise for food and clothes in the next size.

Thanks to all of you who posted this information. I am a sahm with 3 special needs kids and a VERY tight budget. I have my "free consultation" scheduled for tomorrow, but I intend to cancel it as soon as I log off. No way am I in the mood to drive across town and listen to a high pressure sales pitch for stuff I don't want. I have food allergies too and the women at LAWL I talked to on the phone said that wouldnt' be a problem...but if they don't gaurantee the weightloss unless you eat thier bars... how is that NOT a problem? Anyway, thanks so much for saving this mom from a huge financial mistake!

Katt, you can follow a healthy eating plan with or without bars like that (although with a hectic life, bars may make convenient snacks for you) and lose weight the same way.

The main success factor for LAWL seems to be the amount of money invested. So I have an idea for anyone there who is hesitant but afraid they wouldn't commit to it otherwise. Put $500 into a savings account that you can only touch with 2 signatures, yours and a trusted friend or family member. Tell that person that he/she is not supposed to let you go into that money unless you have lost the amount of weight you want to lose. There you go, you just made a financial commitment and when you lose the weight, the money is yours, not theirs, to do what you want (I suggest a new wardrobe, since you'll need one).

I just went through much of the same as the other readers. I was told I had to buy the bars and the other items. I did not have all of the money, so I was set up with something called credit care. I went to the initial meeting and the follow up./only to find out that I had a credit balance of over $1300.00. I am working GE/credit care to dispute all of these charges. I have only been contacted once by someone from LA Weightloss regarding an additional weigh in. I was called everyday until my 1st weigh in. They called me at home, at work on my cell phone. I haven't had any other correspondence since I formerly disputed the charges in writing. I'm not surprised they have had other issue regarding their advertising. I wish I would have checked on references to find out more about this company before I entered into any kind of business with them. Live and Learn

When I started I told them that I would not buy the supplements as part of my plan. And I lost weight just fine. 1-2 Lbs a week. ButI am quite let-down. I had to stop going to the weekly/daily weigh-in's due to a loss of income(I lost my job, which led to alot of cut-backs. We couldn't afford the gas to drive the hour to get to the weigh ins 2-3x's a week.) I spoke to the manager about needing to put my account on hold until I could afford the cost. I was assured that there would be no cost to re-start due to my situation. How sweet and understanding they seemed. Well, that was truely at face value. I will have to pay a boat load to re-start. In short don't let their happy kind faces fill you with warm fuzzies. They are not really concerned with you as a individual. They just want money. Not to mention when I told them I would not be using any of the bars/soups/meals/ect they about each fell over in their seats. I asked them not to keep asking me what I would like. Needless to say- they didn't respect my wishes.

I lost 53 lbs in six months with LA Weight Loss, and spent A LOT of money doing it. Their diet is VERY strict so when they offer you their yummy snacks it seems like heaven and you pay their steep prices. Once I lost my weight and went out on my own, I slowly gained it all back. I think that because their program is so strict, my body just didn't know what to do with all the regular food.

I am an LA counselor in Texas. I did not receive any "tactic" training. Our center is 12th in the nation for weight loss. We work hard to avoid any surprises, or any bait and switch. It's clear from the beginning as to our plan and price. The credit card is optional and something I rarely even acknowledge in a consultation with a potential client. There are bad apples in every bushel...unfortunately, sometimes those bad apples spoil it for the rest of us who are honest, up-front, and sincerely interested in the health of our clients. Our bars are not required, and it is stated in the initial meeting, not 2 down the road. It's in the standard contract. I've seen great success from many clients in our center, including weight loss, inch loss, lowered blood pressure. We must confirm each client thru their doctor. I can't say I agree with slamming the entire program without balance. I'm aware of the Washington situation, and it's not happening at our center. Maybe we should see both sides of the LA coin, as it were. I appreciate your intent to inform the public; however, it would be fairer to present both sides and let the reader decide.

If you're going to get bars on Ebay, can we say, "voided contract"? You can't possibly think your contract/rebate is valid if you are consuming bars from some stranger on Ebay. It's far too easy to get the box open and replace it with old, faulty product, which we've seen time and time again. It's dangerous to buy any food product on, of all things, Ebay!

Sam can you answer a question for me? Let me first say, I am happy with the program, its councelors and the way it is going. I have had a very positive experience so far. It is expensive but I know I need to do something. My choice, no one else's. You said the bars are not required, yet it is stated in the contract that they are required and my counselor said they are required. Can you clarify? ON a side note, I love the bars and they do satisfy my craving for chocolate, but it does seem like some of the information is conflicting. Can this differ with different states?

Sam said:
I am an LA counselor in Texas. I did not receive any "tactic" training. Our center is 12th in the nation for weight loss. We work hard to avoid any surprises, or any bait and switch. It's clear from the beginning as to our plan and price. The credit card is optional and something I rarely even acknowledge in a consultation with a potential client. [...]

I am on LA weight loss and stayed up late last night reading everyone's comments. I just wanted to say a few things myself about the program. First off I want to say I am glad I DID NOT SEE THESE BLOGS before joining LA!! If I had of it might have discouraged me not to join LA with all the negative comments. 2nd off I have been on the program since 23rd of August 2006. I have lost 23lbs so far and about 16 inches. Yes it is a lot of money, but think about all the money that you may waste in your life time on different things. Such as gambling, partying, buyings things you don't need not to mention all the different things you have tried in your life time to lose weight. If you could remember every single thing you have bought from pills to food to work out dvd's, equipment..etc.... It all adds up but not in one lump sum. I am sure its way over the amount of what it cost to do this program...Yes, its true that you can do this on your own, but what I have found is going in and weighing in front of someone is very powerful tool for me. When I go I don't want the scale to read more I want it to go DOWN. It makes me want to do go and see the results each week. My weight has not came off at teh 2 pounds per week like they say, but not everyone will do that. Also, you can delay your program and put it on hold when you want. Such as if you're going on vacation for a week or what ever maybe going on in your life all you have to do is call them and say hey I want to take a few weeks off and they put you on hold as far as your weeks are concerned. So as for me I called before Christmas on the 12th to be exact and said I wanted to be put on hold. I did not go back until the 8th of Jan. I still watched what I ate and yes I cheated many times,but did not go overboard on eatting out of control. I would weigh myself every single day and the most I saw the scale go up during that time was 3 pounds. So I knew I need to back off of amount of starches I was eatting which wasnt much but more than I was to have. Then the weight would go back down. When I went in after being gone for 27 days I weighed in 1 pound less than what I had weighed when I was seen last. Which I found very good being it was the Holidays and all. Think of all the people who put on the extra 5 pounds or more that they say people do during the Holidays. I was very proud of myself. The staff is very friendly and some are more helpful than others. Such as one lady has lost 90 lbs and when she looks at your log book she can pin point things you are doing wrong and tell you what has helped her. They do say excerising does help you but has not gotten on to me for not doing it. But as of the 1st of the year I am doing that now. I have only 7 weeks left until my weeks are up and I am behind on reaching my goal. I wanted to lose 40 lbs.. I was told by one staff memeber that after you start loosing and your comfortable with the weight you have lost you can change your goal amount. Example say your goal was 40 lbs but you lose 25 or 30 you can say okay I am good at this weight. Then you have reached your goal. I have meet someone who has gotten her money back after loosing her weight and maintaining it. I have made friends with the staff and found each one of them speical in their own way. I am very happy that I went there and had been putting it off because of the cost that I was hearing about from other people. It has been well worth it to me and I'm glad I am 23 lbs lighter. I will run out of my bars before my 7 weeks that I have left, but I plan to just by some other bar equal to those. I am NOT going to by the off of ebay. You never know what kind of sick nut is out there and put something into them. I like the bars because I love to have something sweet every once in a while, which I have these everyday. When I asked if I had to buy the bars of course they wanted me to, but I asked what happens if I don't they said they adjust the amount of your food intake. In other words you will get more choices of other foods to make up for the bar that you are not having. I have enjoyed other items that they sale. I like their splash paks that you put into your water. At first I was not drinking all my water and that is a very IMPORTANT key in loosing weight. I know that crystal light has these and I am sure works or is the same. I haven't checked into the other ones but when I am done with my weight lost program I am sure I will buy those. I know now what I can eat and what I shouldn't in more ways than one. This has helped me out a lot and I am very thankful for LA. It's different strokes for different folks. Why complain about the cost some people can afford and some can't and some chose not to spend that kind of money on loosing weight. But as I said earlier your going to spend it somewhere else or you may have already spent it but not in one lump sum. I paid for my program up front and didn't know of any payment plans. I only go in 2 times of week becuz of the long drive and sometimes I only go once a week. I back LA all the way they have kept me on a diet longer than I have ever done before in all my different years of yo-yo-ing.. I feel that it is the amount of money that I have spent and then you have the money that you will get back once you keep your weight off. How many other weight loss programs offer you that. Happy here in the MidWest!!!!!!!!!

I don't know if anyone else has had this happen, but I went in for an initial consultation and got the whole caring and loving interview (appeared to be genuine) after being weighed and devastated at a 30-35 weight gain, higher than my usual weight, I later went to my doctor's office and nurse weighed me twice at my shock, I weighed in at my normal overweight numbers. Either I had lost 30-35lbs in a few weeks or someone scale is off. I left directly from the doctor's office and went to LA office to begin the program and asked to be weighed in and again I was 30-35lbs more than what I weighed less than 1 hour previously at the doctor's office...hmmm? Well I let the consultant go on and on and then I brought my concern about the weight dicrepancy, well I got dismay and little shock and was told that I needed to lose more than that anyway, which is true and that the info would be passed on to the lead consultant who would call me by the end of the day, needless to say never got the call untill I made it a week later. I was told that a new scale was going to be bought even though that one was fairly new. I mentioned that I would have preferred that at that time the consultant I was speaking with would have weighed herself for validity of the numbers, however never came to mind. Looks like the program is being put on hold, not only for this concern but for other physical restraints and taking other medical interventions which are primary.

I worked for the WA franchise and I can guarantee they are out for only one thing...your money! As I'm sure you all are aware they are on round two of the WA Attorney Generals settlements for deceptive practices. This franchise changed its refund policy when they found they were having to pay out too much to unsatisfied clients (which was against the parent companies policy by the way) and made it a "no refund policy". They used ridiculous verbiage in their new contract "because weight loss takes a full commitment, we do not allow refunds" ... Blah, Blah, Blah...and that was scripted by the owner himself. They teach and prey on vulnerable individuals. As the saying goes...buyer beware!

swhrn said:
I don't know if anyone else has had this happen, but I went in for an initial consultation and got the whole caring and loving interview (appeared to be genuine) after being weighed and devastated at a 30-35 weight gain, higher than my usual weight, I later went to my doctor's office and nurse weighed me twice at my shock, I weighed in at my normal[...]

swhrn said:
I don't know if anyone else has had this happen, but I went in for an initial consultation and got the whole caring and loving interview (appeared to be genuine) after being weighed and devastated at a 30-35 weight gain, higher than my usual weight, I later went to my doctor's office and nurse weighed me twice at my shock, I weighed in at my normal[...]

i have done la weight loss and yes it did cost me alot but i dont have time to go into the centers and no i dont take there bars or shakes i have found that shakes are just as good from wallmart and did not cost me near as much.and to tell the truth if someone ask me for the diet i do give them a copy to save them the money

I love LA Weight Loss. Together, my mom and I have already lost over 45 lbs! She's been on it for 8 weeks, I have been on it for 3. I understand it's expensive, but it is an investment in your health, and the bars/supplements are no more than the ones at Target, you just pay for them all at once. The program is cheaper than Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers, and you don't have to sit thru boring group sessions. Now you only go in 2 times a week, and if you need to talk for while, they are OK with that. I understand not everyone can afford it, but how much do you pay in medical bills because of your weight? How much do you spend on junk food? It may seem a little misleading, but they will tell you all the costs before you spend a dime. I would recommend this to any one!!

I joined LAWL back in April 06. When I joined they told me I would lose 3 pounds a week, and would not have to buy the LA Lites. My dr wanted me to eat regular food only, so that gave me a good excuse not to buy the LA lites. They also promised me that I would get some money back after the year. I purchased the stablization and maintenance also. I paid $400. I lost about 30 pounds and then could not lose more. Every time there was a new face I had to go over the fact that I would not and could not purchase their bars, and that happened often. I do believe there is a lot of dishonesty. Some of the workers were very sweet but I think the reason the center went through so many people is that the workers realized the company was ripping off the people. I was told I would lose 3 pounds a week, then they said 2 pounds a week, then they finally said I would probably lose 1 pound a week. Now the center is closing and they want me to drive far to go to one of their other centers. They will not give me a refund, or let me use any store credit towards the internet help, and want to charge me additional money for that. My husband and I are both very upset and feel ripped off. I should at least get the stabalization and maintenance info from them, but I am not even sure if they are willing to do that. I normally do not whine, and was excited at first for the weight loss, but $400 is a lot of money for 30 pound loss and no help for maintenance or stablization. Those of you who are doing great, good for you. I just hope that things continue to go well for you. As for me, I have learned from this experience to do more research before forking over our hard earned money.

cw

I just joined LA Weight loss last week. I too was told that it was $15/week, which I was fine with. I paid $200 up front and now I pay $56/month. I was not told the LA lites (bars) were optional. I was given a box to try because I have a milk intolerance. I got sick to my stomach off of them. i went in the next day and they switched my plan. So my guess is if you go in there and say I don't want to buy any extras they just give you a seperate plan. I have not had anything bad yet. We'll see at the end of my 25 weeks of weight loss.

Hi.Any comments about LAW in Canada???

I am very disappointed with LA Weight Loss. I went to them here in Vancouver Canada and had the same experience as others -- can't believe i got sucked in, even after reading these blogs!

They make the process seem so mysteriously customized when you first meet them. In fact, what they are doing is grooming you in that early visit to be enthusiastic about buying their products. The only purpose in extending these visits out over several days is to get you sucked in. The program is very simple and pulled of a shelf. It is not specially customized. Jeez!

On my very first visit, I informed the counsellor / sales professional (!) (Marima) that i don't want the bars. I even told her that LA Weight Loss has a reputation for pushing the bars on people. She was non-commmital. I nonetheless paid them their $775 plus tax fee. By the time I returned two days later for my visit with Faye (Faith?), they rolled out the whole sales pitch, including a video about the bars and how delicious they are.

No amount of requesting, phone calling etc. would dissuade them during my visits to not push the bars or a coupon book at me.

For the record, the bars are not healthy. they are fulll of the stuff most of us have no problem loading up on anyway! sugar (1st ingredient). The product goes against my every instict about health and weight loss.

While the program itself (ignoring their products) is a good one (similar to the diabetic diet or a typical weight watchers approach), they are doing themselves and their clients a disservice by creating an environment of extortion -- implying that you will not succeed unless you purchase these products.

I have shifted over to another program that I am thoroughly enjoying and succeeding on. Without getting into details or appearing to promote, I'll tell you the reason it works is that it puts me back in control, rather than the LA sales team. I record exactly what I eat and all my exercise. The tool lets me know not just the calories I'm eating, but the nutritional value. Even better, I am alerted if I need more of some specific vitiamin or mineral. It also tells me if I'm burning more calories than I'm eating.

You know what I've learned? I can eat 2000 calories a day and still lose 1-2 pounds a week. I'm healthier and happier.

LA Weight Loss will never give me money back. But I'm reasonably comfortable financially. They can keep the money. I'll just continue to spread the word and use my business connections to get them some accurate publicity.

Well this answers my question about La weight loss, we have one in my town, ive been curious about it for awhile now. I definately will not be tryin this diet program. Im really considering Nutri system? has anyone out there tried it? Ive heard lots of good things about it. And i know a lady thatis doing it right now and she loves it. Noone tryin to scam u either, the food gets shipped to yourhome, and you can go online and get free counseling and go to the chatrooms.

Well this answers my question about La weight loss, we have one in my town, ive been curious about it for awhile now. I definately will not be tryin this diet program. Im really considering Nutri system? has anyone out there tried it? Ive heard lots of good things about it. And i know a lady thatis doing it right now and she loves it. Noone tryin to scam u either, the food gets shipped to yourhome, and you can go online and get free counseling and go to the chatrooms.

Barb what other program did you switch to, out of curiosity? I still need to lose a lot of weight.

cw