LA Weight Loss: Caught Out Again

Alicia you must be working for La now but my question is why are you looking at bad business bureau and this blog? Seems very odd that there are SO MANY entries from former/current clients and employees on both web sites. Not everyone may feel like me but reality is majority do. As for something I signed I never signed anything and oh did you forget freedom of speech nothing I have said on either site is in any way false. I made some really good friends with my clients and yes I do stay in touch there is no law against that. Go look at the better business bureau that is a joke anyone can be on there and they dont tell you anything. Your the one to sstand up for La well you go girl it is people like you that they want to keep around FAKE with no MORALS!

I go to LA Weightloss and have had success.
But I went into the program with my eyes open.
I knew what I wanted - a menu plan and weekly support - I realize you shouldn't have to pay for something that simple, but for me the financial investment ($869 CDN for a year) gives me the incentive to stick with it.

Right from the start I told them I didn't want any of their magical products. But I still was hit with a big sales pitch every time I visited the centre for the first few visits. I got the spiel about how the bars prevented saggy skin - but I didn't buy into it. The counsellors all wear lab coats to resemble medical professionals.

I had to nip the hard-sell technique in the bud by looking them in the eye and telling them I was never going to buy any of their products and asked them to stop trying to convince me otherwise.

Since then the trips have been less of a chore.

To make a long story short, if you stick with the menu plan and exercise, you'll lose weight. It's not rocket science.
You DO NOT need any of their products. Don't be conned into thinking you do.

Thanks.

Alicia,

Show me a Candy Bar that costs $3.50. Come on $28 a box, please.

Bruno,

Which center do you go to in Canada because it sounds like the one I go to? They tried to tell me the skin would tighten up if I went with the bars! My husband laughed and said it impossible!

Alicia, I love all all the tips that Nicole has given! It has helped me a great deal and others.

I've been on LA weight loss for 7 months and have
loss 36 pounds. I have also lost alot of inches.
A weight loss plan is a way of life and teaching
you about eating. What's more healthy than 2 proteins
(6 oz) 2 starches. 3 fruits, 1 dairy, 1 fat,4 vegetables and don't forget 8 glasses of water. Sounds like teaching you to eat healthy. Very similar
to weight watchers but they don't watch what you eat to eat to get points. Eat one meal and use up points for the day for weight watchers. On LAWL they teach you about portions and the importance of adding exercise and water to your diet. My heart doctor approved of it. It can't be that bad. As for the bars, I bought them to use them as inbetween snacks.
They are optional and were not told I had to do , I just enjoy them . One mid morning and mid afternoon.
Why not band Jenny Craig for all the packaged yuk food
What about Slim fast and all of their different bars and supplements. If it works shut- up. Let people
who don't follow the diet be the complainers. The people who were scammed are dumbbbbb. Do your research
and math before you enter a weight loss program
Oh yeah, Why don't you get gastric bypass and be damaged for life or staple your stomach. Let me give
you one better, take adipex and tranzine and put you
on a 500 calorie diet. You lose 40 lbs in 8 weeks and gain 60 lbs when you get off. Diets are about
changing eating habits and making it a way of life.
It's all the major fast-food companies that serve
4.65 combo meals of 2200+ calories that should be sued. Think of how many children are being effected
by this.
Simple facts to a stupid statement about scams.

Debbie,
You do not get it. I did not pay over $1500 for an eating plan I could have bought that at my local bookstore for less than $20. There is nothing knew or unique about this diet (if you think there is, you truly are an idiot) I paid for counseling and adivce, because I relized I needed to make a lifestyle change and I wanted support!!!!!! When I signed up I was told the couselors had finished the diet, knew what they were doing and were under the supervision of a registered dietician. ALL LIES!!!!! I had no problem with the cost, I had a friend who had joied so I went in knowing how much it was going to cost. The counselors are incompetant, most of them either have never been on the diet or have not completed it and the dietician lives in another state, I am not allowed to talk to her, but twice they have claimed to have called her and come back with innane advice, I have concluded she is either incompetant or a figmant of their imagination (or maybe just one more lie).

I have been losing weight. Since I have educated myself, paid for a visit with a dietican, stopped following their advice and stopped eating their bars. I have lost weight consitantly. So the question becomes what am I paying them for??????? As for the fast food compnays they have been sued. The suits were not successul becasue those chains have not made false claims about their health benfits of their products or tricked customers by advertising one thing and then selling another. L.A. Weightloss has been sucessfully sued and caught on camera doing BOTH. I also have to wonder, if you love the diet so much why were you searching for blogs???????

I ALSO JOINED AND LOST A BIT...FELT GREAT..HOWEVER, THE OFFICE STILL HAS OVER $100 IN BARS THAT I BOUGHT AND I HAVE CALLED SEVERAL TIMES TO GET THESE BARS..THEY JUST WANT YOU TO COME IN AND START OVER AGAIN..I JUST WANT MY BARS OR $$$ BACK...

I just joined LAWL. I read the posts here and another blog. I must say I was prepared to do battle. I was pleasantly surprised. No one pushed the supplements. In fact they said it would be better if I don't take them. I will most likely try the bars since I like chocolate. Asked if I could purchase them on ebay. They didn't say no! Only a blurb about the safety of the product since it wasn't being guarenteed by the supplier. Again, no big deal. I figured the cost is what Jenny Craig charges for the gold plan (I think) that doesn't include the weekly food fee of $110.00 for the food.

Now, when I go back next week, will I be hit for other charges?

Katy you may get lucky. At my center there are about 3 who were SUPER pushy, and about 3 who were not. There has been a big turnover and only one of the origionals is left. She has backed off, especially since her advice turned out to be BS.

If they push the suppliments ask them for the clinical research. That will make them back off real quick becasue there isn't any. Good luck, the diet will work, but if you find yourself not losing (like I did) educate yourself, do not count on the staff to give you the advice you need.

Wow. I'm so glad I stumbled upon this blog. My friend and I were thinking about joining...she mentioned something about them having a promo on for $7/week. So i thought why not? I didn't realize they were looking to rob you! lol. Anyhow for me its better to save my $1000 to spend on healthy foods and workout gear, plan my meals a little better, get my butt to the gym more often. I don't need to give LAWL this much money when I can do it on my own. I just wanted to join so that i would feel more 'accountable' (ie. weigh in weekly), but for this much money, i'll weigh myself weekly at home, or with my friend to stay motivated. But good luck to you all!

So glad I found this blog. I have been on LAWL since Nov. and have been stuck on a plateau for 8 weeks now! I work out like crazy, follow the plan etc, but have been suspicious of the bars from the beginning. After reading this blog and other info on the web, I am going to stop eating the bars and my guess is I will start losing again!!! My question for anyone out there is,Does anyone know the plan to follow without the bars? I am on the red plan so what do I replace the 2 bars a day with? veggies? startch? My counselors are absolutely terrible and I thought I was joining to get their advice and support. They know absolutely nothing about weight loss and I am having to do my own research! Thanks in advance for any help! :)

Denise

Go in there and demand your money back! When I purchased my bars, I took them all home.

Wow, seems the people who are getting scammed need to learn how to say N-O thanks. I joined the program and have no problems saying no. I already eat healthy, just too much and have been neglecting my workout. I am excited to have the "accountability" that LAW will provide me.

does anyone know about the centers in colorado springs, co would like to find good one, if there is one. thanks

I was not scammed in any way at the LA center that I go to. I dont buy the bars and have lost some weight. But looking back at it, I wish I would have spent the money buying a treadmill instead of LAWL.

April,
Are you dense??? This is not just about saying NO. What about signing up for REAL advice and counseling and finding out the "couselor/salespeople" know NOTHING about nutrition. That is called DISHONESTY. I swear you people think big corporations should be able to do whatever the hell they want becasue they are big. This company LIES!!!!! Instead of wasting your time at L.A. why not go to the gym???? I joined because I wanted good practical advice, I am still waiting. I should have spent the money on a vacation.

Wow, what an interesting read this is. I have had fabulous fortune with LAWL. I believe this is the way life is...what works for one may not work for another. But there certainly are some radicals on here that need to find themselves a life. Anonoymous, do you sit and wait for people to comment so you can pounce on them if they say something that you don't agree with?? That, my friend, is dense!!!

Advice to all...LAWL may work for you, it may not. Jenny Craig may work for you, it may not. A treadmill or elliptical trainer may be your ticket or you may just use it as a clothes hanger after 3 week (like I have done so many times before!!) Just be prepared to work for it. There is no miracle solution, or quick fix. When you are ready, you will find it from somewhere deep within to make the changes you've been so deperately trying to make. And it is up to you how you decide to make those changes!!!! Whether it be spending $$ on surgery, or a high priced weight loss program. Or whether you're disciplined enough to get your butt on your own program and beat it for free. My way just happens to be LAWL and I couldn't be happier!!! The $$ is what kicked my butt into gear!!!! Whichever way you choose, good luck!!!

I am very concerned. I went to LA Weight Loss 5 dyas ago..had my initial consultation..came home and did my two days of high protein/low carb, went back today for my first weigh-in (Lost 4 pounds....obviously liquid); I paid $1900 during my first consultation. The Counselor made passing refernce to "bars and shakes"..I paid little attention, unfortunately. When I telephoned for information about the program before I went in, I was told that the cost was based on $9.00 a week. I have approximently 45 pounds to lose...I am still having trouble figuring how this comes up to $1900. That didn't count the $129.00 in vitamin supplements I had pushed on me today. My husband is a pharmacist and he is not a happy camper that I purchased the supplements, as he sayd they are horrifically overpriced, and no better than any others. I did not get a copy of the contract that I signed....so I am going to call tomorrow and ask if I can pick up the copy and then read through it. If it says I MUST buy these silly bars, etc. I am going to ask for a refund. I am a psychologist with a Ph.D. and can't believe I have been so stupid and trusting. The thing is, I really do think that the program itself is worthwhile, and that if they would just rely on the fact that they have a good service to sell, people would flock to them. But, I an very concerned at their lack of honesty.

i was enrolled in lawl,and they had givin me a plan that doubled my food in take wich made me gain more wieght and they always kept pushing these pathetic bars that would help me lose wieght. i stoped going and im angry that i paid so much many just to lose the 15 pounds i wanted to lose.....and gained wieght in the end!

I tried LAWL and am happy with the program, some what. I didn't like the fact that they try to always push the bars on you, but i find that I lose just as well without them. E-bay is a good alternative to the center to purchase your bars. I have lost a total of 45lbs since 8/06 and have slipped some ,but I have learned how to eat healthier. Yes, the program is a little pricey,but I didn't get all the bells and whistles. I said "no" to all the advance purchases and such. I would rate it a C.

REFUND- I NEED HELP GETTING REfund. I live in Canada, on the program over three weeks. I told them I had a history of bulimia which they were going to address. Not true, the bulimia has returned after I was scolded for going up one pound (turned out to be water)!

I can be reached at angelamcdn@sha.ca,

Help with REFUND- gave wrong e-mail...it is angelamcdn@shaw.ca

I joined LA in March of 2006 and am sorry I didnt do it sooner! Sure it was expensive. Shelling out the money was part of my motivation!! I did buy the bars in bulk, I tend to buy the bars off of ebay. Way cheaper and I am a Canadian paying in US dollars. I also found the girls young, somewhat educated about nutrition but not enough to my satisfaction.I took on learning about food, reading labels and portion control on my own and signed up for different newsletters ranging from Woman's health to Shape magazine. I feel that even if you learn one thing, make one change for the better, you will succeed. I also adopted a selfish attitude when it came to me and a nothing is going to stop me attitude from reaching my goal. And I'm there! I agree with those who say that it cost the money to put the weight there and it will cost to take it off. How much are you worth?

Satolybs
Funny you should ask. No I do not sit and wait for people to say things I disagree with. But I do get mad when people make blanket statements about all people who are unhappy with L.A. being dumb or unable to say no. Many of us have a legitimate complaint about this company. They do lie and they do misrepresent their products. You cannot possible argue with that. The diet does work. It is finally working for me now that I no longer rely on the advice of their "couselors". I would love it if I could prevent someone else from making the mistake I made (going into this diet believeing that what the coulselors are trained in nutrition and truly want me to be successful).I will finish this diet, but I should have joined WW, becasue I am not getting what I was promised.

Hi everyone,
I lost 65 pounds a couple of years ago completley on my own with cutting out junk food and exercising. However, slowly but surely 20 pounds or so have crept back. This tics me off, as I continue to exercise (although not as diligently) and watch what I eat. So, I became a bit down and thought, maybe I need help. I called one of the centres, and what should have alarmed me right off was thier complete refusal to tell me ANYTHING over the phone, and insisted that I come in. Feeling fat and sad, my defenses down I did. Reluctantly I subjected myself to thier 'mind games' which is exactly what they are. I am a masters level therapist, and immediatley I began to see through the LA approach. First, they get you to fill out a questionaire, which basically drills home how crappy it feels to be fat, and then you are good and depressed. Then, they take a very unflattering poloriad picture of you (arms down please-why-to make me look even fatter?). Then, they pull you into a room whereby, in my case, continued to discuss how bad it feels to be fat. I was feeling very low at this point. I began to evaluate where I was and how I got there...really, I just wanted to ask some questions about the program and learn more, not have some uneducated 20 yr old give me prepackaged answers on 'what big words' depressed and frustrated were. AND, they now had my picture and everything, and I hadn't even signed up, or agreed to anything. Heck, I did not even know anything about the program yet, but she sure knew alot about me! I felt like it was all moving to fast for me. I tried to take some control of the situation, I asked her what her education was and what her training was. She said that she had an extensive 3 month training. What the hell is this! What is the money going for! This is my health here! What I want everyone else to think about is this- I told her my goal wieght, and she did not flinch- and told me I could be there in 6 months. Well, what I did not tell her is the wieght I gave her was actually unhealthy and low for me, by any doctor's BMI chart. I did this to test her, to see if health came into the equation at all. It didn't. And, I have to be wary of a program that says, 'it doesn't matter if you exercise, it doesn't matter how much wine you drink'. At this point, I told her that it wasn't right for me, and got my coat and left. She followed me out to the door, still trying to sell me. Now, she was desperate-I wondered if she was going to get in trouble from her manager for letting one get away. The best part was that she called me the next day at work! Still trying to lure me in- wow, all I can say is beware, this does not seem like a professional organization, rather it seems like one that preys on people that are feeling down on themselves for struggling with wieght (as I do). Really, I have to get real and cut down on my portions and exercise more-and save my cash as I have more education and experience than the staff at that place put together! Trust yourself and work hard, that's my advice.

Nicole said:
If anyone needs assistance in how to go about getting your money refunded from La Weight Loss let me know. I am a former manager and can tell you exactly what you need to do to get your money refunded.[...]

Someone had mentioned they were a former manager at LAWL can you please help me in the area of getting my refund. I am very disappointed with this program and felt I was led down the wrong path. I have called the center where I joined but they said that a refund was probably not going to happen. I have no problem with the plan. I just don't like to be taken with all this pressure to buy their food. Someone please help. I just joined this week by the way.

Nicole, your the one I want to talk with about getting a refund.

I have read most of the complaints and comments on this board. I am a former employee of L.A. Weight Loss. Most of the complaints I am reading are from people about cost. Yes the program is expensive but so is any other program, gym, surgery, etc. out there. You women are making excuses as to why you don't want to lose weight with this company. But the truth is you won't be satisfied with any company. My clients loved me and I never pushed them to buy a thing. You are all adults and you should read any contract before you sign it. You sound like children. "They MADE me do this, they MADE me buy that". No one makes you do anything. When you don't lose weight it's because you cheated.Face the facts that you are all in denial about your weight, your depressed and you need someone to blame. I know because I too was FAT. And I got up off my butt and did something about it. If you feel the plan is not for you don't bash it, try something different. But I can show you plenty of women in the CT area alone who have lost over 60lbs on this program. You buy expensive clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelry, cars, etc. yet you complain about spending money to make yourself look and feel better? I'd rather look hot in a $7,000 used car than weigh 250lbs in a brand new mercedes convertible I can hardly fit my fat carcas in. It may be hurtful but get over it. I now look wonderful and my husband can't keep his hands or eyes off of me. You talk about expensive? Feeling and looking good to me is priceless!

Hello everyone! I have a question - maybe someone who is an employee or former employee could answer. My goal was Feb 26th, and I am about 10 pounds away. They told me I would have 4 more free weeks to hit my goal or come within 5 pounds. Once this happens then I guess I am on the stabilizing portion. I am due for a portion of my money back this November. How do I go about getting that refund (when the time comes)? Sounds like a lot of people are having a problem in that department. I am doing well on the program, but am very unhappy with the service I get at my center. I am considering changing centers, but it sounds like everyone is treated the same, or a lot of the so called counselers have the same attitudes. The girls are very inconsistent with the measurements, one girl measures the right leg, the next girl measured the left...one goes higher on the hips, another goes lower. I said I would like to have the same girl, actually they suggested it, but didn't care when I said I wanted the same one because they all have different ways of measuring. When u walk in the door, they look up and look away. Their attitues suck. Sounds like it just depends on the center. Maybe some of the girls love thier jobs and others don't. I also don't like that they answer the phones, and make you sit there and wait while they take up 10 more minutes of your time. They need a person to just work the front desk. I do have many more complaints, but they are pretty mush the same as everyone elses. Wish I could find a nice center in my area. Good luck to everyone!

One more thing - I have done a few call in visits, and noticed in my book, they were not written down - watch out for this because it will determine if you get your refunds or not in the end!

I have been on LAWL for 8 weeks and have lost 19 lbs. I find it great and I don't understand all the comments I have read. I have not had anyone push sales on to me. I was told when I joined that their products were optional. I don't know how people can say it is not working. Afterall - you are eating nothing but normal food. Just the correct portions! I love the program and have never eaten better. Just try the Nutri and Jenny foods compared to eating normal. Thanks to others for their good reports.

Holly,

You are funny and so right in your assessment. I did the same thing with the pushy manager of the NC LAWL I went to. Once she figured out I was on to her--she didn't quit. No, in fact, it was only when she breached HIPAA and I called her on it, she let me do a week by week deal. (Negotiate your terms--don't let them wrangle you into a $1500 plan if you don't need it! The HIPAA Breach: LAWL faxed my MD to "announce" me joining the plan--no doubt more promotion for them. Big deal, I would not have cared--but they didn't get authorization from me first. I have a thyroid issue, so I had already checked with my MD about the plan. (My experience with doctors is they don't care how you lose it, just lose it.) Now, I hear, this NC office has changed their supplement line for ones that are "FDA-approved." As opposed to what, I wonder. Don't buy the extras, people. Make the plan work for you. Don't let some sales-driven, pseudo-clinician talk you into anything. This manager has since left this SE NC office so beware of a Debra--very catty, too much eye make-up.

Anyone familiar wigh York pa or Hanover pas centers...

I am NOT A HAPPY CUSTOMER of LA Weight loss centers, Yes centers, I had to switch to another center because my sales lady was so rude at the first center I joined at. They couldnt measure me right and they lost my bloodwork after the third time.
I refuse to buy the bars there not realistic with eating healthy . After shelling out $500.00 for joining not including there two pills they sell ya on, with a smile and promise that I would lose all 50lbs by my goal date which DIDN'T HAPPEN.... Guess what I work out 5-6 days a week at least 1hr to 1-1/2 followed there book to the T.. I did lose almost 30 lbs but they lost me some were in the program..

SO LADIES EAT HEALTY, WORKOUT AT LEAST 3-5 DAYS WEEK AND GO TO YOUR LOCAL GENERAL NUTRITION STORE AND LOOK FOR A GOOD ENERGY BOOSTER... MY GOAL IS STILL WITHIN REACH AND I'M NOT GIVING UP. GOOD LUCK LADIES.

LA WEIGHTLOSS CENTER IS A RIPOFF

I agree with Melody. I have been on the program for just under a year. I joined LAWL to loose weight after the birth of my son. I initially joined at the NY office and they were horrible. So instead of giving up, I transfered to another office close to home in NJ and have been happy ever since. I think you have to remember that your weight loss is exactly that YOUR weight loss. You gained the weight and you have to be commited to loose the weight. When I was unhappy with the service and sales tactics, I complained to the national office and switched locations. I don't allow them to pressue me into buying anything that I don't want to buy. I do buy the LA Lites becuase I have a very active schedule and it's easier for me to buy and eat the bars instead of eating chips or something else from a vending machine that will hinder my weight loss success. If I purchase something that I don't like, they have even taken the item back and allowed me to exchange it for something else. I think that you have to be stronger than they are and know that your no means no. If you really don't want to buy anything additional you don't have to. They are not taking your credit card out of your wallet and signing your name. I will admit that this program is more expensive (I think I spent about $600)than I thought it would be but they did tell me that it's not a pay as you go program when I called to inquire. But I was determined to get my body back after the birth of my son and made the financial sacrafice. I also waited until they had the sale of $5 per week so that I saved $2. And as another person wrote you can always refuse the money back guarantee. The program can be affordable, you just have to know when to say no. And quite honestly if you don't have the money you should not be going into debt or using your retirement money to pay for any weight loss program.

There are many people who have positive experiences with LAWL. I get compliments all the time about how fabulous I look after having a child and have LAWL to thank for it.

I'm curious about the blood test. I think all of that was included in the original $150 registration. I've been going since November. I had forgotten about it and no one mentioned it. When I did ask about 3 weeks ago, she told me they were still in the process of getting someone to do them. Apparently no one seems to have had them done at my center. Is this a breach of the contract?

Tami said:
Does anyone know an address to write to to complain? I had joined and quit because the skinny ditzes were NOT counselor material! I felt awful because of then when I gained 0.4 pounds - 0.4 POUNDS!!!! Plus, they gave me samples of the bars to try first and then I found out from my doctor I couldn't have them because soy is bad for me who has PCOS ([...]

The only address I have is LuLU, LLC DBA LA Weight Loss Centers P.O. Box 147 McCordsville, Indiana 46055-0147. Also my contract says that if upon doctor's order, you cannot physically receive the services then you can cancel the contract and receive a refund on a pro rata basis.

I did LAWL several years ago, and I found the sales tactics very aggressive. They did tell me the sagging skin thing, but the reason I bought the bars was b/c they said that I would only get my refund if I used the bars and juice. I lost all my weight, but I stopped going to the center after a few months. I got the kick-start I needed, but realized that every time I went to the center I was getting sold something new. They kept pressuring me to buy a scale and the pills, and I had already spent $1000 on the ridiculous bars. The bars that you can get at the grocery store are better for you (less calories, more protein) if you feel like you need that.