Complaint Review: LA Weight Loss

I had a horrendous experience with these folks after they failed to disclose everything I would need to successfully complete the program during my initial consultation. I explained that at the time, I worked for the federal government and needed to know UPFRONT what the total costs would be including any kind of supplments, snacks, etc.

I was initially told that these things were optional and I did not need them do the program. I was given a sheet and told to go home and follow the 7 day fast as instructed. (I am of the belief that the 7 day fast) is so that when you return, you are aleady locked into the contract, since legally, you have 3 days to cancel a contract in New York State.

I was also asked what I was going to have for dinner that night and when I mentioned something with tomato sauce, I was told that wasn't allowed because of the sodium content. Meanwhile, no one gave me any materials telling me that certain foods were and were not allowed on the program. Their advertisments in fact boast that you can eat what you want and still lose weight. What a farce.

Anyway, when I returned from my fasting period and weigh in, I was told that it was MANDATORY for me to purchase the supplements, etc. otherwise, I would gain all of the weight back. I explained that I told them when I signed up that I needed this information upfront to plan my expenses accordingly since I was only paid once a month. This of course meant nothing to the consultant. I told them that I was ending my contract and then told I could not because I signed a binding agreement.

Long story short, I sued them in Small Claims Court in Queens County and received a judgement against them for the cost that I initially laid out, plus court fees. They never showed up in court and someone from their offices in Pennsylvania sent the check to the judge with a letter claiming that she didn't understand why I was being awarded 'extra' money (for the court fees).

Andrea
South Ozone Park, New York
U.S.A.