Debra
Vancouver,#2Consumer Suggestion
Tue, October 12, 2004
I'm a member of LA Weight Loss in Vancouver, WA. I have not been asked to weigh myself, the staff have all been highly professional. I walked in without an appointment and they spent more than 2 hours answering the questions I had on hand, including negative comments I'd heard. I think the key here is to check out your local center. They're operated by people, and will not all be the same, they should be, but its just not reality. I was told during my very first visit the cost of EVERY item. Yes, you pay your service fee, and then you have to purchase LA Lites from them - I'm exchanging the cost of my candy bars, fast food, and heartburn medicine for this product. I lead a busy lifestyle; I was thrilled to know there was product support for those mornings when breakfast at home just isn't going to happen. If you want to avoid being ripped off by LA Weight Loss or any other program: 1. Check out the center you'll be using, and let them know when you walk-in you will NOT be making a decision that day; that it's your policy to give yourself a 24-hour cool-down period to consider all the information. 2. Have a list (or print out these rip-off reports)of the negatives you've heard about the program, and ask them to address EACH ONE. If they won't or can't -- LEAVE. 3. Tell them before you make a decision, you'll need FULL DISCLOSURE of the PROGRAM COST, INCLUDING REQUIRED AND/OR RECOMMENDED PURCHASES. 4. If the 50% service fee refund is important to you, you probably shouldn't join. You may not be able to meet the strict requirements they have. Naturally their product consumption is a requirement, its how they're paying for your refund. For me, this isn't about whether or not they're "ripping people off" they're in business to make money. I agree, you should have all this information UPFRONT -- but they're not going to volunteer it unless YOU ask. It's your responsibility to get answers BEFORE you hand over your money. The centers described sound unethical and poorly managed. So far, my center has done very well by me, but time will tell. The bottom line here: BUYER BEWARE.
Nancy
Calgary,#3Consumer Comment
Wed, June 30, 2004
I joined LA Weightloss a little over six months ago. They were new to Calgary, and I had hoped that they could help my yo yo weight problem. I knew that most of these companies were scams, however I had tried and failed so many times on my own, that I figured going in for their "free" consultation could offer me further suggestion to my options. Not only did they suck me into the program, they were in fact very upfront about the additional cost of the LA Lites (which by the way are $34 in Canada). A few days after joining, I decided it was not worth the money, and sought after a refund. This was not only refused, but still time and time again, after going to the center, was treated as though I was an actual client, when all I really wanted was a refund. After about a month of trying, I finally gave up, and gave the program a shot. I did NOT get the two pounds per week as promised, however I have just recently attained my goal of 45lbs. lost. I am happy with the results, and with the service I have received since. My best advise to others who have posted on this site, is to simply state that "you are their client"...if they ask you to weigh yourselves, let them know upfront that this is what you paid them to do (Be tough - if you get sucked in, get your monies worth, cause it does work!) Another thing I would suggest is to go in with printed down questions....this way, they have no choice but to answer your questions, and help you reach your goal. Sincerely, Saul
Marcie
Cleveland,#4Consumer Comment
Sun, May 16, 2004
I also fell victim to LA Weight Loss and their promises of losing 2 lbs a week. I was depressed and it was easy for me to be sucked in by their promises. I paid my money up front and was never told at that time that there would be additional costs involving their stupid LA Lites. I went in 2 weeks later and had to pay an additional $400 (if I remember correctly)for the bars to complete my program. I went in diligently each week to be weighed, only to be criticized each time by a few of the idiot counselors who were extremely overweight themselves. I only needed to lose about 50lbs to get where I wanted (not needed) to be, and here were these whales who tipped the scales at about 250lbs criticizing how I was eating. I followed their stupid plan and the weight wasnt coming off...in fact, I was GAINING!!! I also had joined a gym and was doing cardio and weight training 4 times a week. These idiot counselors refused to increase the amount of calories I was allowed to intake. I was literally falling over with weakness because I wasnt getting enough calories to maintain me through my workouts. I was doing an hour of cardio 4 times a week and they didnt think that was enough to justify more calories, and they were rude when I questioned their information with advice I had received from my own MEDICAL DOCTOR. Finally, I said screw them and stopped going. I knew I wouldnt get my money back, but they also refused to give me the remaining LA Lites that I had already PAID FOR. I found this ridiculous and pretty much illegal, but what could I do? Since then, I've continued going to the gym and I pretty much eat what I want, but a lesser amount than I was eating before. I've lost 60lbs in the last year and am much happier. Dont fall victim to these scammers. They have no clue and only want your money. Tell them to screw off and go join a gym that will help you develop healthy eating habits and get you on an exercise program that will make you live longer and feel better.
Marcie
Cleveland,#5Consumer Comment
Sun, May 16, 2004
I also fell victim to LA Weight Loss and their promises of losing 2 lbs a week. I was depressed and it was easy for me to be sucked in by their promises. I paid my money up front and was never told at that time that there would be additional costs involving their stupid LA Lites. I went in 2 weeks later and had to pay an additional $400 (if I remember correctly)for the bars to complete my program. I went in diligently each week to be weighed, only to be criticized each time by a few of the idiot counselors who were extremely overweight themselves. I only needed to lose about 50lbs to get where I wanted (not needed) to be, and here were these whales who tipped the scales at about 250lbs criticizing how I was eating. I followed their stupid plan and the weight wasnt coming off...in fact, I was GAINING!!! I also had joined a gym and was doing cardio and weight training 4 times a week. These idiot counselors refused to increase the amount of calories I was allowed to intake. I was literally falling over with weakness because I wasnt getting enough calories to maintain me through my workouts. I was doing an hour of cardio 4 times a week and they didnt think that was enough to justify more calories, and they were rude when I questioned their information with advice I had received from my own MEDICAL DOCTOR. Finally, I said screw them and stopped going. I knew I wouldnt get my money back, but they also refused to give me the remaining LA Lites that I had already PAID FOR. I found this ridiculous and pretty much illegal, but what could I do? Since then, I've continued going to the gym and I pretty much eat what I want, but a lesser amount than I was eating before. I've lost 60lbs in the last year and am much happier. Dont fall victim to these scammers. They have no clue and only want your money. Tell them to screw off and go join a gym that will help you develop healthy eating habits and get you on an exercise program that will make you live longer and feel better.
Marcie
Cleveland,#6Consumer Comment
Sun, May 16, 2004
I also fell victim to LA Weight Loss and their promises of losing 2 lbs a week. I was depressed and it was easy for me to be sucked in by their promises. I paid my money up front and was never told at that time that there would be additional costs involving their stupid LA Lites. I went in 2 weeks later and had to pay an additional $400 (if I remember correctly)for the bars to complete my program. I went in diligently each week to be weighed, only to be criticized each time by a few of the idiot counselors who were extremely overweight themselves. I only needed to lose about 50lbs to get where I wanted (not needed) to be, and here were these whales who tipped the scales at about 250lbs criticizing how I was eating. I followed their stupid plan and the weight wasnt coming off...in fact, I was GAINING!!! I also had joined a gym and was doing cardio and weight training 4 times a week. These idiot counselors refused to increase the amount of calories I was allowed to intake. I was literally falling over with weakness because I wasnt getting enough calories to maintain me through my workouts. I was doing an hour of cardio 4 times a week and they didnt think that was enough to justify more calories, and they were rude when I questioned their information with advice I had received from my own MEDICAL DOCTOR. Finally, I said screw them and stopped going. I knew I wouldnt get my money back, but they also refused to give me the remaining LA Lites that I had already PAID FOR. I found this ridiculous and pretty much illegal, but what could I do? Since then, I've continued going to the gym and I pretty much eat what I want, but a lesser amount than I was eating before. I've lost 60lbs in the last year and am much happier. Dont fall victim to these scammers. They have no clue and only want your money. Tell them to screw off and go join a gym that will help you develop healthy eating habits and get you on an exercise program that will make you live longer and feel better.
Marcie
Cleveland,#7Consumer Comment
Sun, May 16, 2004
I also fell victim to LA Weight Loss and their promises of losing 2 lbs a week. I was depressed and it was easy for me to be sucked in by their promises. I paid my money up front and was never told at that time that there would be additional costs involving their stupid LA Lites. I went in 2 weeks later and had to pay an additional $400 (if I remember correctly)for the bars to complete my program. I went in diligently each week to be weighed, only to be criticized each time by a few of the idiot counselors who were extremely overweight themselves. I only needed to lose about 50lbs to get where I wanted (not needed) to be, and here were these whales who tipped the scales at about 250lbs criticizing how I was eating. I followed their stupid plan and the weight wasnt coming off...in fact, I was GAINING!!! I also had joined a gym and was doing cardio and weight training 4 times a week. These idiot counselors refused to increase the amount of calories I was allowed to intake. I was literally falling over with weakness because I wasnt getting enough calories to maintain me through my workouts. I was doing an hour of cardio 4 times a week and they didnt think that was enough to justify more calories, and they were rude when I questioned their information with advice I had received from my own MEDICAL DOCTOR. Finally, I said screw them and stopped going. I knew I wouldnt get my money back, but they also refused to give me the remaining LA Lites that I had already PAID FOR. I found this ridiculous and pretty much illegal, but what could I do? Since then, I've continued going to the gym and I pretty much eat what I want, but a lesser amount than I was eating before. I've lost 60lbs in the last year and am much happier. Dont fall victim to these scammers. They have no clue and only want your money. Tell them to screw off and go join a gym that will help you develop healthy eating habits and get you on an exercise program that will make you live longer and feel better.
Jack
Dallas,#8Consumer Suggestion
Sun, May 16, 2004
I cant believe how so many of you got fooled by this program because it sounded good on T.V. I will tell you from experience that losing weight is NOT easy and it requires a LOT of discipline to lose weight and keep it off. I have gained and lost weight three different times,recently I just lost 25 pounds and struggling to keep it off. THE BIG secret to weight loss?? EAT healthy and exercise 4 times a week within your target heart rate.thats it. That is the ONLY way to successfully lose weight.there is no other way around it. no shortcuts.I suggest instead of paying 800.00 to pay 400.00 and buy a treadmill t use at home. ITs much easier than driving back and forth to the gym and much more convenient.You wiil definitely see results within 4 months if you use it regularly and eat healthier. Avoid weight loss ads and diet pills 100%. their only motive is to take advantage of your weekness and your money. I wish it could be easier. It isnt.