The dollars fall away. The pounds? Now that's another matter. There's no end of plans, programs, gurus, diets and schemes out there, all promising easy, effortless weight loss. All of them are happy to take your money. However, actually losing weight isn't as easy ... nor is getting your money back if you decide to quit the program, as many LA Weight Loss clients have found out.
If you have any existing health problems -- diabetes, high blood pressure, depression -- or if you're taking prescription medications, it's very important to check with your doctor before starting any new diet.
Also, it's important to realize that getting out of the program can be difficult, not to mention expensive.
Jennifer of Springfield, MO June 16, 2008
Jennifer of Springfield MO (06/16/08) I joined LA Weight Loss and was very happy with the program and my results. However, shortly after joining, the staff members changed and whenever I went in to weigh, it was never the same counselor. At my fifth week, I went to weigh and was told by the area supervisor that they were closing the Springfield Center June 30th. I have been to the center 3 times in the last week and the doors are locked. I have tried to call the center to find out if anyone will be returning and can't get anyone to answer.
This is the only weight loss program I have been successful at and I am very upset with their lack of professionalism or apparent concern for their clients. I am not out the large amounts of money that others seem to be, however, how do these people continue to stay in business?
Darenda of Leander, TX June 9, 2008
Darenda of Leander TX (06/09/08) Promised that staff would be there for support through the whole enrollment--Original staff at time of enrollment left or were moved to other locations after 2 weeks. Never saw them again.
8/1/07 An Employee stole 40.00 from my purse when she insisted I go to bathroom before weigh-in. After that I realized she had insisted once before that I do the same thing. At that time I had some issues with missing money. It wasn't much 8 or so dollars I just thought I had spent it and just couldn't prove where it went. After the 40 missing I was positive it was Gina because she used the same method of operation twice. She also stole from a employee she worked with at that site. That employee told me that management would get in touch with me--never did. Did give me a 40 credit towards their products.
They continued to employ this person and I refused to go while she was there. I did confront her in front of other staff and she did not deny it. She was moved to another location and continued to be employed by LAWL.
Center closed and moved farther away from my location. Did not tell me this was planned when I joined. It was an area that I do not frequent and was twice as far....so was difficult to get there. One day the center was vacant with a For Lease sign on window. No contact information. No phone call...NOTHING. I have about a 250 credit there.
Moved to location that was twice as far as the original location and not frequented by me. Gasoline costs and time invested. I trusted or wanted to be able to trust the staff. When you have weight issues you discuss things with your counseler. It devestated me mentally and I was unable to focus on the weight program after that. I had invested lots of 's and found it nearly imposible to have a positive attitude about the whole ordeal.
Not of Eugene, OR May 2, 2008
Not of Eugene OR (05/02/08) I was told that to join the program I had to select from their packages of food - using either one choice a day (180ish) or two meals a day (over 200). They would not explain to me how the program worked until I came back on Thursday... After leaving (and them running my credit card), I realized, this was NOT what I had wanted or intended. They simply pushed me into making a package choice if I wanted to continue with my plan. I was a returning customer, and this was NOT how the program was run when I signed up.
I have left messages every day this week for the manager to call me - and even gone in. She does not call me back, and the staff was rude and unhelpful telling me as a rule, they don't give refunds... even though I hadn't received any products.
Deanna of Green Bay, WI May 2, 2008
Deanna of Green Bay WI (05/02/08) I signed up for the program July 07. Things went well the first few weeks, but then things started to taper off I needed more information on how to introduce more things into my diet, the counselors (who now I find out have NO background in nutrition)kept telling me the same things over and over it just takes time I would go in and get weighed and ask for suggestions adn this is the exact same line I was fed over and over.
I asked for a dietician to review my journal and it took 2 requests and over a month to get a response. I paid over 1300 for this service and received NOTHING I was promised in return in the way of counseling. I essentially paid the to weigh myself.
I lost 1300.
Pat of Clifton, NJ April 23, 2008
Pat of Clifton NJ (04/23/08) I had gone there to find about the programs they had wt loss. I explained to them that I had a thryoid problem and they said it was ok. They then told me the program was two year sign up with a activation fee of 149. and the program would cost me around 1000 plus the bars would be an additional cost of 29.00 per week. She said just take the sale and buy the 1000 and you would have bars for the entire 2 years. The cost came out to 2000. Moreover, I told her that is too much for my pocket and she said no problem sign up for care credit and then pay them later.
They went bankrupt and I did not get my refund and I am being billed from Care Credit and they are charging late fees and even when the payment is sent on time. I had about 1 year and a half remaining and She refuse to talk to me and she treated me bad and nasty. She said get out and wait for your refund and I have nothing to do with this. Good bye. She slammed the door and I have not seen or heard from any refund but the bill still keeps coming in. I would like so injustice and help from this situation. If anyone could help me I would highly appreicate it. I am having nighmares and am up the creek with this. I would like to say thank you for your time and cooperation. PS: I am sure that I am not the only one that has been ripped off.
I have been economically without a job for a job and just found a job. As to the physical damage very annoyed with this situation and would be so grateful and thankful if anyone could help me with situation. Thank you
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