Pure Weight Loss to Close All 400 Locations
Also read: PURE WEIGHT LOSS CUSTOMERS: SHARE NEWS & OPINIONS HERE
Source: Philadelphia Daily News
…Pure Weight Loss, Inc, formerly LA Weight Loss, announced on Wednesday that it would close all of its more than 400 locations nationwide effective Jan. 4.
A statement released by the company on Wednesday said, “Fierce competition from the internet, the introduction of Alli, the over-the-counter weight loss pill, and other commercial diet programs, combined with a difficult economic environment, have forced us to take this action.”
A spokesperson for Pure Weight Loss did not know if the Horsham-based company was filing for bankruptcy…
* * * * *
The diet pill, Alli, endorsed and sold by Pure Weight Loss, has been the target of criticism since the Food and Drug Administration approved it as an over-the-counter version of the prescription weight loss pill orlistat in February. Alli went on sale in July.
Dr. Sidney Wolfe, director of the Public Citizen’s health research group, has spoken out against the drug, both in its prescription and over the counter forms and has testified to the FDA about its harmful effects.
Wolfe said the drug can cause pre-cancerous lesions of the colon and said, like many diet drugs, after an inital spike, sales probably went down.
Pure Weight Loss is currently involved in a class action lawsuit in Tennesse over false claims about its weight loss program and costs. In 2002, the company agreed to pay the State of New York $100,000 plus $10,000 in legal costs in a settlement over falsely advertising the cost of its program.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT PURE WEIGHT LOSS (FORMERLY L.A. WEIGHT LOSS)?
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POSTED IN: LA WEIGHT LOSS, PURE WEIGHT LOSS, xBuyer Beware, xFranchise Graveyard
326 opinions for Pure Weight Loss to Close All 400 Locations
Emma Karr
Dec 18, 2007 at 12:58 pm
We are being scammed! Pure Weight Loss went off the Internet and is not responding to customer concerns. Thousands of people are being told to pick up preordered products at the stores but the deliveries to the stores by the company are not being made. Hours have been cut back to a fraction. This company has damaged many individuals and i hope a class action lawsuit takes place.
m
Dec 18, 2007 at 3:37 pm
I joined back in November, and thankfully, I did not get scammed in purchasing all the products. But, I am upset because these people in Levittown, NY were not only nasty people from the beginning. They owe me two boxes of bars. I was to be finished on January 15, so thankfully, I was spared. This poor woman purchased 6 months worth of products and has lost a lot of $$$. I only have 10 pounds and I am a current WW member and the woman told me the reason I was not loosing because I work out too, much and I wanted the magic bullet. You know they all can go scratch. They deserve that the company went out of business. I feel sorry for the poor souls that invested all this money. I called the company and complained.
M
Beth Hughes
Dec 19, 2007 at 8:20 am
I have been a client for over 1 year and have had TREMENDOUS success on the plan. However, I am now owed 38 BOXES of bars and 5 weeks of weight loss, 6 weeks of stabilization, and 52 weeks of maintenance, with absolutely no guarantee that I will ever see a dime. I am absolutely devastated to lose this program. Despite everything that has happened, I had counselors who genuinely cared about their clients. I would appreciate any advice anyone out there may have.
mar
Dec 19, 2007 at 5:59 pm
I too have boxes of lites owed and have been told that they are on order and to check back with the center when they are open. I went this evening and the center staff was actually taking written orders for lites from clients. I think this is so that clients remain civil when they are in the center. As disappointed as I am for my personal losses I am more disappointed for the staff of the center, some of which have worked there for years only to find out a couple of weeks before Christmas that they are out of jobs. Any lawyers out there reading these posts?
Sue
Dec 19, 2007 at 7:02 pm
I, too, have had some real success on this program, but am angry at the way this closing has been handled. I know that my counselors were still being encouraged to sell contracts up until the day THEY learned of the closings (and their own lay-offs) — and at that point the contract was non-refundable. They took thousands of dollars from people who would return the next week to find the centers were closing. OUTRAGEOUS!
I’m ready for the class action suit if I am not refunded the money I paid for the program!
Bill
Dec 19, 2007 at 8:04 pm
I have been a client for three years. Lost 85 pounds and the staff is tremendous. They owe me 30 boxes of bars and do not answer the phone. I thind the cneters are sincere but corporate is being hardassed and will not pay out
mommyjoe
Dec 19, 2007 at 8:29 pm
I have been a customer since April and have had GREAT SUCCESS on this program. The diet is a well balanced eating plan that is doable for life. I’ve lost over 45 pounds and am well on my way to goal. I can’t afford to lose the money I’ve pre-paid, but it’s much worse to lose the program and the support I’ve been promised. I want this to work for me and I want what I’ve paid for. What can we do to make this work out?
her
Dec 19, 2007 at 10:32 pm
hello everyone that was involed in la /pure weight loss program same here i have about 17 months left i the plan and also 52 weeks of maintenance left plus stabilization left .plus 21 box of lites . i am out of a lot of money i did loss weight but would like some kind of refund or a class action sute .please any lawyer out there reading this maybe you could look into this you wouls have a lot of people out there insterest .we were told to come in and get the lites but .i think this is just take because they have none and the fedex truck is not delivery any more .also i just keaped paying out of my pocket money to stay with the program they said or i would not loss the weight .and i had to buy the lites also .one big scam .
Debi
Dec 20, 2007 at 7:57 am
I also like so many joined LA in April after 30 years of trying to find a diet that worked I finally found one I have lost 50 lbs and the staff was absolutely terrific. I also am owed 40 boxes of lites. And a week before I was told that the store was closing I took out the extended program to carry me through to the end of my maintance that was money I didn’t have to spend since my husband was just laid off from his job. But I wanted to keep giving myself the insentive to keep losing the weight. I just hope that I can still get my lites or at least some of them but so far the center has not recieved any shipments in and it is a first come first serve. Any body want to file a class action count me in
PURE WEIGHT LOSS CUSTOMERS: SHARE NEWS & OPINIONS HERE
Dec 20, 2007 at 8:46 am
[…] this to work for me and I want what I’ve paid for. What can we do to make this work out? Dec 19, 2007 at 8:29 pm her, customer: hello everyone that was involed in la /pure weight loss program same here i […]
Beth Hughes
Dec 20, 2007 at 8:52 am
Any lawyers out there that can give advice on what to do? Not getting any satisfactory answers from the company. Please contact me if anyone is setting up a class action suit. With the weeks and lites owed they owe me well over $1000.00
sean
Dec 20, 2007 at 9:06 am
Also read: PURE WEIGHT LOSS CUSTOMERS: SHARE NEWS & OPINIONS HERE
PURE WEIGHT LOSS CUSTOMERS: SHARE NEWS & OPINIONS HERE at PIGASYS
Dec 20, 2007 at 9:12 am
[…] This company has damaged many individuals and i hope a class action lawsuit takes place. Dec 18, 2007 at 12:58 pm m, customer: I joined back in November… these people in Levittown, NY were nasty […]
Eva
Dec 20, 2007 at 2:21 pm
I am a former employee of Pure Weight Loss. I honestly want to cry because the way the company went down. I was hired nearly 2 months ago to work for a company that I figured was reputable. On a Wednesday when all the other centers were told that they would be closing nationwide, Vaughn on a conference call assured Michigan that we would be staying open. I came into work on Friday to find out that Saturday would be my last day. I had just signed up someone for the program on Monday!! I lost nearly 12 pounds in 1 1/2 months and knew the program worked. It is so upsetting for clients that just signed up and clients who have invested in the program. Please email me if you have any questions and would like to continue on the program I would like to help anyone that I can honestly I know this program works and it is so sad that the program is now at an end. I am just super upset especially being before Christmas now not only am I jobless before Christmas but it’s going to be nearly impossible to find a job (especially considering the fact I livec in Michigan and the economy is horrible here!!!). Anyways, if you started the program I definatly would encourage you to finish it it works and there are items you can use in replacement of the bars, along with the program without the bars you just need to be on the correct program. Anyways like I said email me if you have any questions I’d like to be of any assistance to anyone I can be. . . .
Weight Loss
Dec 20, 2007 at 4:20 pm
About the closing of Pure weight loss centers, it’s true that Jenny Craig is providing their program - without any service fee - for the length of time left on all Pure and L.A. Weight Loss contracts. That means you only pay for the food on their program for the time you have remaining on your current contract. You can confirm that by calling 1.800.JENNY20
Pure Weight Loss (L.A. Weight Loss) Closes All Locations | Big Beautiful U
Dec 21, 2007 at 3:16 am
[…] what I have been reading elsewhere online, like at FranchisePick.com, customers of Pure Weight Loss are finding it difficult to get refunds on the supplies (bars), […]
Beth Hughes
Dec 21, 2007 at 8:20 am
Reply to Eva - please send me your email so that I can get guidance as to how to continue without the bars - I am owed 38 boxes and cannot get even 1 box!!!
To others - I have sent a complaint to the Attorney General’s office in my state. I suggest all of you do the same.
Leslie
Dec 21, 2007 at 11:39 am
I was devastated to hear of the closing. I have been on the program since October 10 and I have lost 15 lbs. and I was very happy. I paid for the program in full and I am owed 30 boxes of LA lites. I am very interested in a class action lawsuit if Pure Weight Loss doesn’t do something about the money due to people.
MelindaWarren
Dec 21, 2007 at 2:53 pm
I love this program and had GREAT SUCCESS ! It worked so well for me! I have all the bars that I was owed and all the info for when I lose all the weight. I am so UPSET because they are closing. I have tried WW and was told that I should leave because I asked them too many questions they couldn’t answer. I lasted 4 days in Jenny Craig, I HATED the food. I am going to miss PWL so much. The people at my center were great! I was able to get all 48 boxes of lites that I was owed. The girl from PWL gave me her phone # to help me when I reach my goal in 9 months. This program worked so well for me that I would do it again if they came back. I feel so awful for all the people who didn’t get their stuff. It is a sad day for us all!
Patti
Dec 21, 2007 at 11:01 pm
I was very upset today when I arrived at Pure Weight Loss and found out that they are going out of business. On November 30, I paid 163.95 for additional weeks and lites. I’m sure the company knew they were closing when they proposed these special deals to us. I was given a refund application and advised to complete the form and send it certified to Pure Weight Loss in Horsham, PA. However, the refund is no where near to what I paid on November 30….just several weeks ago. Fortunately, I paid the 163.95 with my credit card and have not received the bill yet. I contacted my credit card company tonight and am disputing the 163.95.
Tori
Dec 22, 2007 at 1:55 pm
I have been a customer since OCT 3 2006. I’v lost 60 pounds and my whole way of thinking about food has changed. It was such a wonderful program. I only paid a month ahead of time for bars when I could afford it so I am owed only maintenance etc… but I feel soooo bad for all the employees who basically were not given any notice. If you had a councelor like I did who gave soo much time to talk with and councel me then it’s a sad thing. Even with all the internet competition, it didn’t have to happen so soon. Right this instant. The company coud have given everyone 1 or even 2 months notice. We depend on the counceling and weigh ins. The employees depend on their paychecks. How selfish and and rotten for such a company I believed in. I just feel like a fool. Please write if you went to the West Hartford, CT center.
nicole
Dec 23, 2007 at 4:40 am
my sister-in-law and i joined the lawl program in april of this year. we have done awesome together we lost 195 lbs. we were at work when the counselors called us to inform us they were closing. it was devastating. it felt like a part of me died. i have be over weight my whole life and i finally got the willpower and support and a program that worked. it’s not even the money its the fact that for 8 months we have gone to the center 3 times a week and became real friends of the employees and depended ont he program. i have 14 more weeks of weightloss & stablization & maintenance they gave me all my info on how to do it but its not the same. this is a bunch of crap that these people are getting away with this. taking advantage of us. i for one will continue to loss weight and maintain it despite what they are doing…..the program does work. that crap about all the competition is all a bunch of lies……….they deserve a massive lawsuit…………………..
Bren
Dec 23, 2007 at 6:29 am
CareCredit is the credit card company that clients like us were using to buy the lites up front. Call them at: 1-866-893-7864 and ask for a dispute letter. It takes 7 - 10 days to arrive, just fill out and send any information supporting your case. They will start the dispute after receiving it, but you have to wait 90 days to see if Pure Weight Loss disputes it. If you don’t then you are off the hook. Hope this information helped.
MelindaWarren
Dec 23, 2007 at 6:33 am
When I was talking to my counselor she said that she is sending all our information to headquaters. My hope is that they will start the program again under a different name. I am so sad this program worked so well. It was the first one I would have done for the rest of my life!
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bellissima
Dec 23, 2007 at 4:43 pm
I am a former employee from LA/Pure. I was an employee for almost 2 years. None of us knew that the company was closing up until that Wednesday afternoon. We knew things were bad but not that bad. Please do not blame your counselors during the remaining time centers are open, it is not our fault and may i remind the people that feel they need to yell that ya you might be out of money but we’re all out of jobs. On that note, if you are owed a lot of money, there is a refund slip you can fill out and mail to a certain address asking for what you want refunded and how much. Refunds arn’t guarrented so if you ladies have yet to do so, get your butts in the center and request that paper, they are going to be bombarded with refund applications which Im sure they already received. I advised each of my clients to mail it that day. As far as your program is concerned, no need to give up. continue to do what you’ve been doing. try to make it into your center sometime this week, and just ask for a no lite plan to help you continue your weight loss. also ask for extra kits and diaries and the drop sequence as well. They will be more than happy to supply you with them.
uhoo
Dec 23, 2007 at 7:00 pm
I am very angry about the closing of PWL. I found out by chance when I stopped in for my visit, as I had promised my counselor I would do. I wondered what was going on my visit the week prior though, everyone was in coats and I was told the heat was not working. This is in Chicago in December and no heat or lights!!!! Come on! If only I had put all the pieces together - a name change, no new sign on the building, posters with PWL stickers over the LAWL logo. no updated materials, still giving out LAWL bars - …lots of signs that this was coming! And, just Like everyone else, I am owed lots of bars and that equates to lots of money. When I started in August 07, they were having a fabulous sale, where the bars were the lowest price they have ever been (or will ever be), as was touted by all of the couselors at the center/ I bought into it becuase i could save so much $$$$$$! Now with the news of the closing, thank goodness I didn’t fall for the “great sale price” a second time when they tried to get me prepay for all the bars I needed to get me through maintanence (when that time comes). My couselor wanted to sell me 20 more boxes at the “special price”. Since I don’t have room to store the bars nor want stale bars…they are letting me pick up my bars as I need them…now I wonder if I’ll ever get them? I am wondering the best way to get my money back. Any ideas? My center is open two days and it’s the holidays and I am traveling and will not be around the two days they are open! I will never ever try one of these programs again. I’m in if there is a class action suit.
9
MelindaWarren
Dec 24, 2007 at 1:17 pm
I was one of the lucky ones that got all the lites I paid for…48 boxes! I waited 1hr and 45mins for the FedEx truck to come. My counselor said alone as you keep them in a cool place they will last 9 months. She looked at me like I was crazy when I told her that I was going to get a small freezer for them. So I guess they will be fine. LOL! I will still freeze some just to make sure. I am more upset about the lost of this program than anything. No one here in Buffalo knew the centers were closing like they did in some other states and they change the name on everything too! I didn’t know you could do the program with out the lites! Thanks for the info I will ask to see if they still have that information. My center will only be open weds for this week, after that who knows! My counselor also said to take the lite and not get the refund because what she is hearing is PWL is going to announce they are going out of business on Jan 4th and claim bankruptcy on Jan 5. They have already stop paying for the employee’s health insurance!
PURE WEIGHT LOSS CUSTOMERS: SHARE NEWS & OPINIONS HERE | money news blog
Dec 25, 2007 at 10:03 pm
[…] and 52 weeks of maintenance, with completely no guarantee that I will ever see a dime…. Dec 19, 2007 at 8:20 am mar, customer: …As disappointed as I’m for my personal losses I am more disappointed […]
Kris
Dec 26, 2007 at 3:45 pm
Like everyone else here, I have had wonderful success with this program. I have reached my original goal and have decided to go a little bit further. However, I too am owed 36 boxes of bars and I don’t think that I could do it without my bars. Eva had said that there are items you can use in replacement of the bars, does anyone have any idea what these are? Please email me and let me know. Thank you and good luck to everyone.
Sue
Dec 26, 2007 at 4:49 pm
Kris– I’ve been told that Luna bars can be used (but I don’t think they taste as good). Zone bars are the second choice after that. Good luck!
Kat
Dec 26, 2007 at 4:57 pm
I am at the end of my maintenance, I am lucky enough to have been a great success from this program as well. I am however, owed one box (which i will pick up on friday-hopefully) and my 1/2 of the down payment should have come in by now, but i have yet to receive it. i called my center today and they told me that they are hoping to even receive their pay checks on friday! Obviously, I want what is owed to me “IN CONTRACT”, but I feel extremely bad for everyone who JUST signed and purchased bars, and for the staff memebers who I have become friends with. I dont know how this happened, and feel like we are all owed what we rightfully deserve! I hope that something is done about this. Good luck to everyone!
Losing It « Podblack Blog
Dec 26, 2007 at 7:45 pm
[…] I discover a name change - Pure Weight Loss. And the announcement as of the 19th December of more closures: …Pure Weight Loss, Inc, formerly […]
MelindaWarren
Dec 27, 2007 at 2:02 am
Hey Kris - I was told the Luna bars can be your replacement bars for the Lites. I have had them before and they don’t taste anything like the lites they taste like vitamin bars! My counselor said that was the only one that she knew of that would work.
bellissima
Dec 27, 2007 at 8:18 am
I’m a former employee of pure, and I hate to dissapoint everyone, but there are no bars on the market that can replace lites. I think you all will be taking a huge risk eating 2 snack bars a day. If i were you, like I’ve been saying, go into your center and ask for a no lite plan. I have read comments like, “i can’t do it without the bars” listen, did you honestly expect to eat those bars for the rest of you life? the time has come to do it on your own, the healthy way, go get the no lite plan, that way you’re not endagering your health or hitting a plateu in your weight loss.
Bianca
Dec 27, 2007 at 9:55 am
I have had quite a bit of success with this program, but like many others, I am owe 47 boxes of lites which I recently purchased through Care Credit. I spoke with a rep on 12/24 to find out what to do if I do not receive my product. He said that I would be able to dispute the charge if the product is not delivered and has already sent me a form to fill out. They will try to rectify the situation. Hopefully it works out.
Beth Hughes
Dec 27, 2007 at 10:31 am
My center will NOT give me any info re: a “no lite plan” - does anyone out there have that information? I would be very interested in obtaining it. My center is NOT being helpful. My regular counselors are gone and the one that is there is not wanting to give anyone any info at all. Please let me know if anyone has the no lite plan. I really need it.
bellissima
Dec 27, 2007 at 10:50 am
depends on how tall you are, and what you’re weight currently is, also factors like exercise and your physical health take place. if you want you can email me with the info, and I can tell you what plan you should be on, i’ll tell you the servings, use your orignal kit as a food guide list, but ill give you the modifications to your serving sizes so you can do the plan w/out the lites.
Kris
Dec 27, 2007 at 11:57 am
bellissima, I am interested in receiving information on the no lite plan. Is there a way to email you directly? I will try tomorrow when my center is open to get information from them, but some additional information would be great. I would really like to be able to do this on my own without the lites. Thank you,
MelindaWarren
Dec 27, 2007 at 12:41 pm
bellissima!
I TOO NEED THE INFO!! On the no lites program. Is there a way that we can get in touch with you and I can send you the info?? Thanks for your help!
Philip E. Hamilton, Esq
Dec 27, 2007 at 2:00 pm
Hello,
My name is Philip Hamilton. I am a practicing attorney in Michigan. I was recently contacted by an employee at my firm who was a member of LA/Pure Weight Loss and who informed me of this situation. Certainly, everyone’s specific situation is unique but there may be violations of consumer protection laws, breaches of contract and fraud involved, among other legal issues. Please feel free to send me an e-mail if you want to discuss further. [Email withheld until verified]
Beth Hughes
Dec 27, 2007 at 4:39 pm
Re: the care credit issue - I have had to enroll in a debt management plan with consumer credit counseling service for all of my credit cards including care credit. Do you think they will send me a dispute form even though I am behind in payments? They were the intial way I paid for the program and bars.
To the attorney: I would definately like to discuss further with you. [email address withheld]
Silke V.
Dec 27, 2007 at 6:56 pm
I also bought Lites via Care credit and after I found out that the stores are closing I called them and they were already aware and will send me a dispute form to fill out. I also received paperwork from my center to fill out in order to get a refund, however I have doubt I will get my refund from PWL. If someone has an idea what to do in order to get the money back, please let me know!
Debi
Dec 28, 2007 at 6:47 am
To Eva I sure would love your help but How do I get in touch with you
Kim
Dec 28, 2007 at 11:39 am
Contact your states attorney general’s office. I did and they are already contacting PWL, everyone should join in on this plight.
Eva
Dec 28, 2007 at 12:01 pm
Hey this is Eva writing again. If any of you would like any help feel free to email me at [Email address withheld until verified]. I don’t know how many emails I will be getting so be patient but I will try to help everyone and be as concise as I can about everything. I have looked around and found some items that the lites can be replaced with it’s all about looking at the nutritional content on the LA Lite Bars and comparing them to those in the store if you need the bars. Just don’t switch between a no lite program and a lite program stay steady because if you do a lot of switching you won’t lose weight. Any questions regarding the program email me. Please give me details though on your height, weight, goal weight, program your on and what your specific question is. Would love to help anyone I can, since god knows I miss my Pure Weight Loss :(
[Editors note: if you want to include your email address or other personal contact information in a comment, please email me at info[at]ideafarm.net from the email address you want to post. This way I can ensure no one is posting another’s email. Also, when posting your email publicly, I’d suggest replacing the “@” sign with “[at]” or “-at sign -” to hopefully foil the evil spammers’ email address collection software.]
HOW MUCH DOES PURE WEIGHT LOSS OWE YOU?
Dec 28, 2007 at 5:28 pm
[…] SHARE NEWS & OPINIONS HERE Pure Weight Loss Employees Get Pink Slips for the Holidays Pure Weight Loss (L.A. Weight Loss) to Close All 400 Locations ABC’s 20/20 Runs Free LA Weight Loss Franchise […]
FranchisePick.Com Reports on Pure Weight Loss Franchise Woes at PIGASYS
Dec 29, 2007 at 1:59 am
[…] Pure Weight Loss (L.A. Weight Loss) to Close All 400 Locations […]
Debi
Dec 31, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Happy New Year Everyone We can continue to keep losing the weight that we all have worked so hard to achieve. I for one am not going to let what LAW did to me, defeat me. I will continue to get the rest of my weight off. I just hope they make good on all the money that they owe to everyone and all the really terrific counslers are able to find new employment.
Employee
Dec 31, 2007 at 11:11 pm
Yes, I was proud to be able to help people. that is my nature and I prayed for this type of job. I have been here at LAWL for a year.
Their are two branches of LAWL. One is the group of centers that are franchised out and the other is run by corporate. My center was a franchise center. My owner sold back to corporate. We heard that all of the non franchised centers would become Pure so the two would not be confused.
Today we got a call from an unknown person asking us if we knew about Pure closing.
We did not.
The way things are going with the franchised and franchiseable centers is disasterous.
Employees do not know who to contact within the stucture. Are being kept in the dark and new hires arriving daily.
I don’t know if I will go in to my center and have a job. I truely hope the Lawl Franchise branches will remain and become strong and the management need to change all the way round
Leon
Jan 1, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I have read comments from people talking about money they have spent at Pure and LA Weight Loss Centers. I am curious to find out how franchisees are being affected. Some of these people may have their life savings invested in a franchise. Are they all closing down and walking away with nothing? Is the entire network closing down or is there a contingency plan?
sean
Jan 1, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Leon said: …I am curious to find out how franchisees are being affected. Some of these people may have their life savings invested in a franchise. Are they all closing down and walking away with nothing? Is the entire network closing down or is there a contingency plan?
Leon: The chain operated under the name LA Weight Loss until the company split into separate entities, one franchised and one not. The non-franchised entity changed to the Pure Weight Loss name this past August, then announced in December that it was closing Jan. 4th. The franchises are under another company with a different owner, and still operate as LA Weight Loss. The article on Philly.Com explains this confusing relationship.
It has not been reported how LA Weight Loss franchisees are doing, or whether they’ve been negatively affected.
raquel del valle
Jan 1, 2008 at 4:19 pm
i am also a pwl client and also lost lots of $
i am very dissapointed because i really loved that
program what is more upseting is the lites that were owe to me.if anyone knows anything else of
what i could do please let me know.i will also make a complaint with the attorneys general office.
HOW MUCH DOES PURE WEIGHT LOSS OWE YOU? at PIGASYS
Jan 1, 2008 at 5:29 pm
[…] SHARE NEWS & OPINIONS HERE Pure Weight Loss Employees Get Pink Slips for the Holidays Pure Weight Loss (L.A. Weight Loss) to Close All 400 Locations ABC’s 20/20 Runs Free LA Weight Loss Franchise […]
Employee
Jan 1, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Leon said: …I am curious to find out how franchisees are being affected. Some of these people may have their life savings invested in a franchise. Are they all closing down and walking away with nothing? Is the entire network closing down or is there a contingency plan?
Leon: The chain operated under the name LA Weight Loss until the company split into separate entities, one franchised and one not. The non-franchised entity changed to the Pure Weight Loss name this past August, then announced in December that it was closing Jan. 4th. The franchises are under another company with a different owner, and still operate as LA Weight Loss. The article on Philly.Com explains this confusing relationship.
It has not been reported how LA Weight Loss franchisees are doing, or whether they’ve been negatively affected.
AS an employee of a franchised group of centers which recently sold back to corporate I must say that OUR corporate side is run willy nilly and secretively. Employees are leaving left and right. We are told anything. We are pushed to focus on dollars and numbers and have little time to do what we need to do…service our clients…out regional manager is on a power trip…we track the same numbers multiple times on Paper even though our computer keeps these numbers. We have not corporate names or numbers to call. Our promotions overlap, are not thought out, pure chaos.
ONe of two things could happen I believe. After the Pure BK our centers will have more ads etc. OR we will be next.
I do know that several franchisers who were loosing gave up their centers and employees showed up to padlocks on the doors.
This happened to several in Vegas, Monterrey and other west coast franchises.
Bren
Jan 2, 2008 at 5:54 am
Raquel,
If you paid through CareCredit, call them at 1-866-893-7864 and request a dispute letter. If you paid on your credit or debit, put a dispute in with them and tell them what happened, I got my money back for my enrollment as I paid with my debit, unfortunately I have to dispute with CareCredit, which will take awhile, but it is in my favor and they have received many requests. It takes up to 90 days to dispute.
Good Luck
Lindsay
Jan 3, 2008 at 9:28 am
I just wanted to let everyone know that Jenny Craig is offering Pure Weight Lose clients the opportunity to join JC withough a program fee, for the remainder of their PWL contract.
JANINE
Jan 3, 2008 at 12:27 pm
PWl is on some bullshit. They knew exactly what they were doing. I will not stop until I get my GOT DAM MONEY.
trishana
Jan 3, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Help they owe me 7 boxes of bars and lots of weeks still.
I’m interested in joining the class action law suit
Marshall D. Foxworthy
Jan 3, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Hi,
Eva, this is in response to what you posted previously. I feel for what you are doing. I have been helping people lose weight with a different program for a year now. I was not interested in and frankly disgusted with the overwhelming number of programs out there that made you feel like a number. I didn’t care anymore till my doctor gave me a wake up call by reminding me that my time here was growing short because of my weight. He recommended a program that was clinically and time tested. Needless to say I found this comforting and compelling. I made a commitment to do the program with his guidance thinking that this might be my last chance. I started at 316 pounds on high blood pressure and cholesterol medication and I had to use a cane sometimes to walk. Thirteen months later I had lost 130+ pounds and was off of the cane and medications. I started helping the doctor with his support group. He encouraged me to start helping others to get healthy starting with their weight and I became a Health Coach. This is what I do now. I get really upset when these companies are focused on the almighty dollar and could not give a squat about their clients let alone their employees. A friend of mine had worked for LA Weight Loss and when they were out sick, probably because they had them managing two locations, they were replaced like an old flower arrangement. I was not aware that the Pure Weight Loss centers were closing until recently and started reaching out to help these people also. I don’t know if there is a way we can contact each other to share ideas and possibly help the people out there that need it. I went through 8 doctors before the one that helped me and it was by searching and reading on the internet that did it. I will never forget that and is why I reach out to help. I know what it is like to be obese and have the rug pulled from under you time and again. Marshall
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Don and Evelyn Wood
Jan 4, 2008 at 9:04 am
My wife and daughter have also lost a large amount of money in the bars. My wife is due 37 boxes and my daughter is due 25 boxes. We are very interested if there is a class action suit filed.
Joan
Jan 4, 2008 at 11:37 am
I am a Health Coach with Take Shape for Life (subsidiary of Medifast) and I would like to encourage everyone to take advantage of the offer that Medifast is providing for all PURE clients who want to continue to lose weight with a safe, effective meal replacement program. You will get $55 off of a $250 order (which is about one month’s worth of meal replacements).
I became a health coach with TSFL after losing 40 pounds on the program in under 5 months. That was 15 month ago and I have not gained back any of the weight. Our meals are great and our Health Coaches provide FREE support to our clients.
I would also encourage any former PURE counselors to look into becoming a Health Coach with TSFL. It has been a wonderful source of income for me and I work out of my home.
I know this seems very unfair and dissapointing for all of you who are affected by PURE’s closure. Don’t make a bad situation worse by giving up on your efforts to lose weight and get healthy.
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Dawn
Jan 4, 2008 at 3:28 pm
PWL owes me my rebate of $80.50 and 6 months of maintenance
Sherry
Jan 4, 2008 at 4:40 pm
i was employed by the company as a counselor and med tech 2001-03. i originally started out as a clientand started working for the company 3 months into my weight loss and slowly realized i was one of a few genuine people who worked there. Many girls who worked with the company NEVER had a weightloss issue and saw an overweight person as a dollar sign walking through the door. And clients weren’t dumb…they liked the program but disliked some of the workers because the were obviously fake with no genuine concern for the clients welfare both financially and physically. Heck, one of our regional managers signed a woman up for the program with an insulin pump!!!(a HUGE no-no and risky for that person not to mention potential liability for the company) Although thinner(over 50 lbs), i left the company to return into my original career…media. When i heard our newscast about LA/Pure weight loss going under i was surprised but NOT surprised. I am now a Cerified Personal Trainer and lifestyles and weight management counselor through The American Counsel on Exercise and would be HAPPY to help out former pure weight loss clients across the country. [email withheld pending verification]
BEST OF LUCK TO ALL!!!!
Bren
Jan 5, 2008 at 5:58 am
Dawn,
Did you purchase the maintenance on your debit or a credit card, if so, call your bank about the debit, they will dispute it and you will get your money back, I did and if it is on a credit card, call and request a dispute letter.
T
Jan 5, 2008 at 12:17 pm
I am a former LA/Pure Employee (Manager)
and first I would like to apologize to all those who have lost hundred even thousands of dollars.
I felt I was the captain of the ship (my center) and I stayed and went down with the ship. Like the Titanic were huge and unfurtunately for clients and employees we were sunk. We all ask the question “HOW?” Especially when everything was paid up front.
This has been very emotional for me I have been with the company for over 5 years and have seen employees looking at over weight people as a $ sign and I refused to do that or let any of my employee in my center disrespect any of my clients. I have seen thousands of successful clients with the program and developed friendships with many. Did I lose weight with the program? Not prior to employment but it did help me change my eating behaviors for the better and lose the weight after my babies more easily bc of already developed eating habits.
I really do not know where I am going with this but I needed to say something.
Good Luck to all clients! Take your dollar amount that you lost and put it on the refrigerator to keep you motivated to not go down with the ship!
Kathleen Crawford
Jan 5, 2008 at 1:06 pm
I purchased a year’s worth of lites and plan. I paid over $2,000.00. If anyone knows of any class action suits, please include me! It’s so sad because the program really works!
Amber Hart
Jan 5, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Eva or Bellissima, please help!! I paid over $500.00 for the program only to find out three weeks later I was pregnant. Obviously, I had to suspend my program and they told me to come back when I was done breastfeeding. Well, I had no idea what was going on with the closures and I kept trying to call for the last two weeks. Finally, I looked on the internet thinking they may have changed their phone number or something, duh!! So you can say I was definitely surprised when I found out the centers closed on 1/4. So basically I only received three weeks of service and now I would like to lose the remainder of my weight. How do I do it without the LA Lites and how do I contact you since you can’t post emails on this site?
Kim
Jan 5, 2008 at 2:46 pm
I was on LAWL about 2 years ago and lost 40 lbs. I had amazing success on it and NEVER bought one of those bars. I can tell you from experience that the South Beach High Protein bars work just fine. They are 140calories, 5 fat, and 10 protein. I ate them and followed the rest of the meal plan and it was fine. Luna will work too but I didn’t like them.
Just wanted to let you know not to give up - I’m sorry for all the stuff you are going through.
Joan
Jan 5, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Hi all Both my husband and I belong to PWL aka LAWL and are owned many boxes of lites. I went on Dec 20 to get some and redeem my Pure Bucks (what a joke) that we got for buying more weeks in Sept. to find that the hours had been slashed. Unfortunately, my Mom had recently passed away and we were unablr to get back until today, Jan. 5–big surprise CLOSED and out of business. We are definitely interested in joining a class action suit.
Joan from Long Island NY
Lori F
Jan 5, 2008 at 7:29 pm
I am also interested in a class action lawsuit. I joined in August 07 and they owe me a lot of money. I am very disappointed about this whole thing. Please let me know if someone files one.
Suzanne
Jan 6, 2008 at 6:48 pm
My name is Suzanne Taurone I am a Personal Trainer and Certified Health Coach with Take Shape For Life, the coaching arm of Medifast. As you know, Medifast is extending an offer to Pure Weight Loss Center clients.
Editor’s note: MediFast, Dietpower & others are extending special pricing to PWL customers. I was called by the President of Diet Power, a pretty amazing diet software tool you can try for free. ( Try DietPower FREE for 15 Days.. )He set up a code for us that gives $10 off through the end of this month. Check out the last link. Use the discount code PURE2008 to get the discount.
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Mindy
Jan 7, 2008 at 9:21 am
Hi guys:
I am so sorry for me and for all of us that this organization closed down without giving new/old members a signal they were closing. I joined back in November but, I was lucky enough to only sign up for 3 months! However, they owe me two boxes of bars. But, I am happy they do not owe me thousands of dollars!
Anyway, I know some of you do not want to hear this but, I joined Weight Watchers (and it is similar to PWL, but, you can eat more and follow your points) you can even eat that piece of cake and count it. It is more flexiability. I have lost in a period of 1 1/2 months 7 pounds! More than what I had lost with PWL. Give Weight Watchers a chance because they really work and they have been around for a long time! And, it is not as costly as PWL.
If there is a class action lawsuit, anyone out there let all of us know becuase we should all file! Even though I did not have a lot of money that was lost it was still about $90.00. The members out in PWL were not very nice here in Long Island. They were just out to make the commision, they did not care about the people that were coming in. With Weight Watchers there is meeting support and the leaders are just terrific. Give it a try!!!!!!
Rocio
Jan 7, 2008 at 11:47 am
I just found out that PureWeight Loss closed and I am REALLY upset! Not only am I and my husband having a difficult time financially, but to know that we got ripped off is absolutely horrible. I joined back in September and have lost 24lbs. I would like to be involved in a class actions suit ASAP, if there is anyone who has started the process please contact me in order to know what to do next! What a way to start the new year…
Nancy
Jan 7, 2008 at 4:12 pm
I joined the program back on July 2, 2007. I pre-
paid for two years plus the bars totaling about
$1200. I didn’t take a box of lites every week
so I know that I am still owed in excess of 70
boxes. I am very disappointed. The personal
counseling really helped. I had lost 27 pounds.
I have tried all the phone numbers, but never
get through no matter how long I hang on. I
would definitely be interested in a class action
suit.
MelindaWarren
Jan 8, 2008 at 7:18 am
Hey Nancy,
I did the same thing you did. I never took the 3 boxes every week. Mostly because I was already sick of them. I was able to get all my 48 boxes. I don’t care as much about the money for the 52 weeks of maintenance. I care more about not having the training and support during my maintenance. I tried WW and it work for 5 month and than didn’t work for 1 1/2 years after that. I followed the program and never cheated. I asked them too many question that they couldn’t answer and they kicked my out. Jenny Craig…I only lasted 4 days because I HATED the food! I want PWL BACK!!! It worked so well!
I will say Jenny Craig follows PWL when you are half way to you goal weight. I did called them and they won’t let me do the program that way, they want me to buy there food. YUCK!
Good luck to you!
Casey
Jan 8, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Hey All-
I join LA Weight loss 4 years ago and lost over 50lbs. I rejoined in June after having twins and spent over $700. I knew the program works, but the counselors were not has helpful has the first time I went through this program. I recently went back to get my bars they owe me and found that the hours of the store were reduced. Then I called all the centers in my area and no one answered and then on Monday on went on line and found out they closed. I was suprised. I called the 1800 number no one answered. I went on Better Business Bur. and put in a complaint on Pure Weight loss for the money they owe me. I suggest others to do the same. I hope this works.
Eilis
Jan 10, 2008 at 10:26 am
I like a lot of other women have religiously followed the LA/Pure Weightloss plan. I can ‘t say that I lost all of the weight that they promised me I would. But still I lost enought to be comfortable with myself. I have finished maintenance last month. But never had the chance to discuss a “no lite life” So my comment is actually for Eva or Bellissima, I am 5′4″ and 145. How do I continue without bars or being able to contact you?
Tricia
Jan 10, 2008 at 11:01 am
hi, i am so upset i don’t know what to do. I have been on the program for 12 weeks lost 20 pounds. I had another 8 weeks to go to lose my next 15pds. I am especially upset that there were no notices given to customers. When they collected the money there were no hesitation, so there should be no hesistation in giving us back our money. I want to be involved in any action taken against them.
Jane
Jan 10, 2008 at 12:24 pm
I was on the LA Weight loss program for a year and lost the weight. They used a lot of pressure to buy the bars but I said no and they accepted that. The diet alone worked fine for me. The staff was terrific and I regret that they will be caught up in this.
Joan
Jan 10, 2008 at 5:43 pm
I just wanted to let anyone who is in the PA/DE/NJ area know that the Medical Director of Medifast (Dr. Wayne S. Andersen) will be speaking at the Mount Laurel, NJ Marriott (915 Route 73) on Friday evening 1/11 at 7pm about weight loss and wellness. This is a great opportunity to ask a medical professional who is well versed in the weight loss industry about how the Take Shape For Life program with Medifast meals can help you continue your successful weight loss. There is no charge for this event, so please come with your questions.
Joan
Jan 10, 2008 at 5:45 pm
I forgot to mention that there will be some samples for you to taste our bars, shakes and snacks at the event on Friday 1/11/08 at the Mount Laurel NJ Marriott.
Marshall D. Foxworthy
Jan 10, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Hi Joan,
Thanks for the reminder. Dr. Andersen will be in the West Central Florida area this month also. Anyone who is interested in the Florida area is welcome. Dr. Wayne S. Andersen will be speaking at the Bradenton Christian School, 3304 43rd Street West, Bradenton, Florida 34209 (High School Auditorium) on Friday evening 1/25 at 7pm about weight loss and wellness. This is a great opportunity to ask a medical professional who is well versed in the weight loss industry about how the Take Shape For Life program with Medifast meals can help you continue your successful weight loss. There is no charge for this event, so please come with your questions.
Clover
Jan 10, 2008 at 9:46 pm
I was an employee with LA/PWL for 5 years as management and I can insure you that even as upper management we were unaware of the closing. Corporate allowed us to not only enroll clients, but also to allow clients up until that Wednesday morning to purchase bulks of product. There were some markets where the selling techniques were much stronger than in other areas, depending on your upper management. To those of you that were hard-sold..I apologize…that is NOT why were were there.
Please read your contracts carefully…some of you aren’t entitled to any refund based upon when you signed up. Others of you that enrolled when you were LA…please read the fine print. If you enrolled and the cost of your program was $349, there is an automatic $149 non-refundable fee that comes off the top of your refund. Your weeks are then calculated based upon what you payed per week. Therefore, if you payed $5 a week and you were on program for 25 weeks your total refund looks like this ($349 - $149 - $125 for weeks = $75). You then need to deduct the Fast Forward, vitamins, scale, etc. that you may have been given when you enrolled in the program. You end up being owed very little if anything for your program weeks. You are most likely looking at a refund for just your bars. This has been the standard refund procedure for some time, however, I do not know if they have changed it due to the circumstances under which they closed.
To all of you who have had success on the program…continued luck to you all! You are the ones that do all of the hard work, we as counselors were there to encourage you and give you ideas. Find someone that you can work with, whether it is a friend or even someone online…you will reap the benefits.
As far as a non-lite program, it will vary person to person. If someone is on gold right now with two bars per day, you will go up to a purple plan without bars. This means that you will increase your veggies and ounces of protein by 2 ounces, therefore your program will look like this (2P, 4V, 3F, 2S, 1D, 1 Fat). If you are on Purple with 2 bars, you’ll go up to red (2 1/2P, 4V, 3F, 3S, 1D, 1 Fat). Many of you started on a higher plan that you are on now. What you do is just go up one plan to where you may have started. You are more than welcome to email me and ask any questions. I know how difficult it is to lose weight having lost well over 150 lbs myself. Any support I can give you is my pleasure.
I don’t know if I would recommend Luna bars to clients…you will not achieve the same benefits as you did with the Lites…and the taste CANNOT be compared.
I wish you all the best of luck, especially to the employees who have lost their jobs. I hope something else comes your way that is just as rewarding.
Beth Hughes
Jan 11, 2008 at 7:39 am
Clover:
I have been told by 2 others on this site to go back to Red Plan - no lites. I am 5′3″ and currently at 161lbs - I started at 248.6 when I joined and would like to lose and additional 20lbs. Could you give me the serving numbers/day for each food group and also the portion sizes, please? I no longer have a “red plan” in my possession. Would you please send me your email if you would be willing to “coach” me. I MISS THE SUPPORT OF MY COUNSELORS, and I have to confess that I have not been as diligent since I have no one really keeping me accountable.
I submitted my reimbursement form - I had 5 weeks of weight loss left, 52 weeks of maintenance, and 38 boxes of bars owed to me. What do you think are my chances?
Nancy
Jan 11, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Clover, how do we get your email address? It
doesn’t show in your comment section.
KL
Jan 11, 2008 at 10:15 pm
This is so annoying–feels good to vent about this to people who are in the same boat…I’m out 10 boxes and 3 more months of weight loss (not a lot compared to some on here, but still money gone for nothing). I took a break from losing weight over the holidays and went on vacation. Didn’t get back til Jan. 6. Went to the center (Arlington Hts, IL) today and they were dark. Called another local center (Schaumburg, IL), number was disconnected. I thought that was strange, so I looked online, and now I’m seeing all of this. Who isn’t irritated about this? Anyone else in ILLINOIS know who to contact? Any recommendations? So much for the new year’s resolution!
Clover
Jan 11, 2008 at 10:46 pm
I realize now that I never put my email address in there and I apologize! You can contact me at [email address withheld for verification].
Beth…Your red plan is going to look like this (2 1/2 P, 4 V, 3 F, 3 S, 1 D, 1 Fat). Now if you are exercising more than 5 hours a week…meaning a good cardio workout…you’ll want to go up to Red 1 (2 1/2 P, 4 V, 4 F, 4 S, 2 D, 1 Fat). Your body needs more in order to burn properly. May I ask you which center you attended, Beth? I think I may know you!!!! As far as your refund, I think they have to give it to you, however, my paycheck was for $53.98 today for the last week I worked and for a weeks vacation owed to me, so I am not sure where people stand with their refunds!
Debi
Jan 12, 2008 at 1:07 pm
everyone Who used to be a counsler has been super in helping us to keep on track without the bars I thank you very much for that. I joined LA in April and after trying to lose weight for most of my adult life finally found a plan that worked and people who cared. I have lost 50 lbs up to date. But I am also finding it hard to be comitted without some one to answer to every week. But I’m going to keep trying since I do have 73 lbs left to go. I just have one question after my supplements are gone what do I do? Is there a different company that makes anything close I really would appreciate it if anyone knows the answer? Also if anyone would like a diet buddy I would be more then happy to be it. It’s alot easier to have a partner my e-mail is [email address withheld]
Valerie
Jan 13, 2008 at 7:39 am
Hi
I guess all of us are in the same boat. I kept asking for the stabilization and maintenance booklets as I had shoulder surgery and was unable to drive to the center. I was gaining weight back and thought that I would continue on my own while the program was on hold. My counselor kept telling me they didnt have the books in stock. This lasted several months. I should have realized something was going on. I am now out all my months of bars that they discouraged me to pick up! Is there anyone out there who may have the maintenance booklet for gold? I can share the stabilization info for anyone who needs at. At least we can continue the program in that way. Thanks, Valerie
Valerie
Jan 13, 2008 at 7:47 am
Clover
what is your email address? Perhaps you can give me some info about the maintenance part of the program. Thank you , Valerie
P.S Anyone else, I would be glad to share the stabilization info with you.
Clover
Jan 13, 2008 at 10:45 am
Valerie…my email address is [email address withheld]. As far as the maintenance portion, do you mean stabilization?
Nancy C
Jan 13, 2008 at 11:18 am
I too belonged to LA Wt Loss and was assured when it changed over to Pure Wt loss nothing had changed. Surprise! For the past several months I too have been trying to get ahold of the counselors and had no luck. I sent numerous e-mail requesting information and no reply. I was lied to at a very early stage. I was told as long as I continued to come 3 times a week, I would not have to purchase any more weeks nor buy any more bars. Well as we all know that is not the case. So I purchased additional bars and weeks. At this point I am not sure what is owed to me, but I do know I never made it to maintenance which is 6 wks of stabilization and 52 wks of maintenance. I too put the bars on Care Credit and I thank you for putting out the phone number to contact them with a dispute. I did lose 53lbs which helped with my self esteem and health. However, I am now really ticked off that the center has closed. Unfortunately, you get atached to the counselors but in my state, Illinois, they came and went too often. I knew corporate asked a lot of them.
On a happy note, my daughter did reach her goal and has kept her weight off. Although, she is still waiting for the 2nd installment of her refund.
I am definitely interested in any class action suit as well. We all work hard for our money and should not take it sitting down.
Sue
Jan 13, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Nancy — Could you clarify about the “waiting for the second installment of her refund”? Does that mean that she HAS seen some money from Pure? IF so, was it for program or for product? I had my refund request in the mail (certified of course) within the first week of notification of the closing and am still waiting for any kind of response.
If some refunds are coming through that seems like a good start, at least.
Lana
Jan 13, 2008 at 7:23 pm
I used to be an LAWL counselor and I left the company over three years ago. I for one did not like the way the company used to treat us counselors thus the reason why I left. For one, the program does work but I must say the main thing that we were taught was to make as much money as possible. I was one of those counselors that truly cared and honestly wanted to see all of my clients succeed. Patty one of the district managers in Philly would tell us counselors to make sure we did not have food out, yet bring in all sorts of fattening foods such as cheese steaks and cookies into one of the offices and chow down then have the nerve to council others on losing weight!!!! I am sooo sad for the clients but feel as though the company and all higher ups got what they deserve. No company should treat it’s people the way that they did, it was a shame! For those of you who need to know which bars to substitute I can say Luna bars are good and are a lot less calories than LA LITES. If only you the clients knew the way that we the employees were treated you’d be astonished!
KL
Jan 13, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Hi. If this helps anyone—On the gold plan, instead of having 2 lites a day, eat 2 LUNA bars–they seem to be similar in calories/fat/protein. I’ll see if I can stick to it with the Luna bars! Fiber 1 bars are pretty good, too.
Does anyone know the shelf life of the Chocolate LA Slim Downs?? They are milk-based and I’ve had a 4 pack in the back of my fridge since the end of September ‘07?
Thanks and good luck.
Kathleen Crawford
Jan 14, 2008 at 1:06 am
I have been trying to no avail to reach someone from the company about a refund. I am still owed about 60 boxes of Lites and 6 months of weightloss weeks and all the extra maintenance I purchased. I’ve spent over $2000 and my center shut down last November so I didn’t even have an opportunity to pick up my bars before they closed for good. If anyone has any numbers or address to send a refund request to I would really appreciate it. [email withheld]. Thank you so much and I wish everyone the best of luck!
Joan
Jan 14, 2008 at 6:20 am
I’ve been following this situation and want to reach out to the former PWL employees who lost their jobs. I’m impressed by some of you, like Clover & Lana, who have really tried to continue to help clients even when they were not being paid to do so. You are the kind of people we’d love to have join us as Health Coaches at Take Shape for Life. The financial rewards are great, but are nothing compared to how good you feel when client calls to tell you that you’ve changed their lives (Clover & Lana, I’m sure you know this first hand). I know email addresses are blocked here, but here’s what my email address is: [email withheld].
By the way, we have great Medifast bars that are terrific! Most have around 140 to 170 calories with 11 to 14 grams of protein and are very filling and delicious. I encourage anyone to give Medifast and Take Shape for Life a chance. It works. Joan
Susan
Jan 14, 2008 at 9:54 am
I, too, found the doors closed to my center the day before Thanksgiving, with a handwritten note on the door saying to call CS for questions. No phone call, no warning. I feel so “left out in the cold”, especially after calling and calling and basically being chewed out by one rep over the phone, who took out all her frustrations on me and then told me I was up a creek. Luckily, I was just about to start Maintenance (I have lost 40 pounds). The plan definitely works, but now that I have no accountability, I see weight coming back on. I am trying to still keep my food diary, but it’s hard. Does anyone have any extras or has anyone made a template on their computer to just print out? If so, can you point me to a website or such and share it? I would love to pair up with someone for accountability and then also be included in any class action suit. I can be contacted through my blog, Susiestampalot. Just google it, and I’m sure you will find me, as it doesn’t appear that email addresses show up here…. I am so glad to finally have found a place where I don’t feel so left out. I felt like I was the only one and I’m so sorry this happened to everyone.
FranchisePick.Com’s PURE WEIGHT LOSS REFUND INFORMATION CENTER
Jan 14, 2008 at 11:06 am
[…] Pure Weight Loss (L.A. Weight Loss) to Close All 400 Locations […]
Eilis
Jan 14, 2008 at 1:39 pm
I am hoping that for everyone’s sake that PWL does the right thing. If it gives anyone peace of mind I received the promised refund 1/2 way thru my maintenance. And 2 weeks before the centers closed I did receive the other 1/2, out of the blue. I think that the counselors in Portage did a great job considering they were always understaffed. I have a feeling that one of those great ladies saw what was happening and requested my final refund before the closing. Thanks Diana! So keep heart everyone. Just perhaps PWL will come across for all.
LANA
Jan 14, 2008 at 7:02 pm
The most painful position when leaving is leaving the clients. I loved my clients and I had to leave due to the mistreatment that was shown not only to me but to other employees. I would NEVER talk negative about the program because it DOES work but when corporate gets involved it is a different story. Joan I appreciate and thank you so much for the comment, I still have all the materials on all programs so if anyone is interested feel free to email me directly at lana0411 and it is at AOL. I hope my email is not witheld as I would truly love to assist clients with progressing along on their weight loss. With regards to all the money that was lost, I pray that you all can get it back but as I can remember for Maintenance members it was a struggle to get the money back then so it must be a fight now. If you must, I would take legal action or look into a class action suit I would not be surprised if there is one in the works. LAWL used to pride themselves in customer service but unfortunately corporate gave us time limits with each client and I couldn’t agree with that. I wanted to work with a company who took pride in truly helping and there are former LAWL counselors like myself who truly cared and wanted the BEST but many times we were overlooked. The only real way to make a name for yourself in the company was to sell the most products which was a scam after awhile. I had clients who had tons of bars and we were pushed to sell more as if there was NEVER going to be another sale, I see it was all about money. I now work for an Online school whom I love and in addition to losing weight, if some of you who reside in PA are looking to get a degree contact me and I will show you how! Take care and God Bless all of you!!!
Nancy C
Jan 14, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Sue,
I was talking about the refund you receive after reaching your goal and maintaining it for a year. My daughter received her 1st installment but not the 2nd one.
I am going to be sending my information this week and see what happens. If we all stick
together maybe we can get some justice.
Clover has been very helpful, I am glad I looked into this web site and chose her to ask some questions to. She knows the program and is very encouraging. Thanks for all you do.
Clover
Amanda .P
Jan 15, 2008 at 7:31 am
I WAS A FORMER LA WEIGHT LOSS MANAGER IN FLORIDA. ABOUT 1 YEAR AGO I LEFT THE COMPANY B/C FUNNY THING STARTED HAPPENING AND I KNEW SOMETHING WAS GOING ON. I WORKED FOR THE COMPANY FOR 3 YEARS AND I GREW RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE PEOPLE THAT I ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM. WHEN I TOLD THEM THAT I WAS LEAVING THAY DID NOT WONT TO STAY WITH THE COMPANY AND I SUGGESSTED THAT AT THAT TIME THAY REFUND THERE PROGRAM. SOME OF THEM ARE STILL FITTING FOR THERE MONEY. ONE CLIENT THAT I REMBER VERY MUCH SPENT 15,000.00 IN THE PROGRAM AND SHE GOT ABOUT 500.00 BACK BECAUSE THAY SAID THAT SHE DID NOT FOLLOW THE CONTRACT. SHE CALLED ME VERY UPSET AND I TOLD HER THAT SHE NEEDS TO FIT FOR IT AND ABOUT 6 MOUNTH AGO BEFORE THAY CHANGED THE NAME SHE GOT ALL OF HER MONEY BACK TO HER. WHEN I FIRST STARTED WORKING FOR LA WEIGHT LOSS I BELIVED IN THE PROGRAM AND THEN WHEN WE HAD A MEETING ON MONDAY AND OUR AREA SUPERVISER WAS THERE AND SHE WAS NOT HAPPY WITH THE MONEY THAT WAS NOT COMEING IN SHE TOLD ALL MY GIRL THAT IN THE CONSUTATION IF YOU MAKE THEM CRY YOU CAN GET ALL THE MONEY OUT OF THEM. AT THAT TIME I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THAT SOME THING WAS WORNG WITH THIS. COME ON THAY HIERE PEOPLE THAT HAVE KNOW IDEA ABOUT HOW TO HELP PEOPLE LOSS WEIGHT. AND THAY TELL THEM TO TELL THE CLIENTS THAT THAY WENT TO SCHOOL FOR THIS. I HOPE THAT EVERYTHING WORKS OUT FOR THE PEOPLE THAT WOULD LIKE TO REFUND THERE MONEY. IF YOU WOULD LIKE SOME HELP PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME AND I WILL SEE WHAT I CAN DO.
Elaine N.
Jan 15, 2008 at 8:14 am
I am very angry. My money was taken with no problem but no one cared to notify customers of it’s closing. I am owned a year of service and countless # of bars.
Elaine N.
Jan 15, 2008 at 8:27 am
I’m very angry Pure Weight Loss had no problem taking my money. They no concern for their customs to close their doors without any notification should be grounds for a law suit. I am owned a year of service pills and bars. Does any one have any suggestions. I’m all for a class action law-suit.
Jennifer A
Jan 15, 2008 at 12:40 pm
HOW ABOUT THIS???? I am on a maternity hold for 2 months now….i was never notified of the closing, i found out b/c i rec’d a flyer from Jenny Craig this week. I cannot get anyone on the phones. I was in the pgrm about 6 weeks before i got pregnant so i am owed the rest of the contract plus all the money for the bars, the fast forward pgm, the supplements. where do i even begin to get this straightened out?????? I am having an existential melt down right now.
CW
Jan 15, 2008 at 12:56 pm
About how many members were there at your branch of Pure/LA?
sherry
Jan 15, 2008 at 4:52 pm
when i worked for the company in 2002-04 i felt good about the program and product i was selling because i lost my weight with them. Because of my belief in the product and how it helped me i found it beneficial to the clients i saw. My clients had faith in me and my experience with the program therefore bought product from me. However there were people who had NO experience with losing weight, having a weight problem or have been on the program, let alone the product they sold, saw clients as a dollar sign and those were usually the people who wound up being in management. I didn’t “bulk” people on product to BILK them out of money. I originally started as a client and PAID for my program. I wasn’t going to oversell someone that i knew couldn’t afford it. And the whole care credit thing…was usually a moneypit for people who were already overextended on thier current finances and i know some of you are in over your head. i bailed out of there when there was an extra push for selling the “A” package(bulking lites for the client’s entire program) and NOTHING but. When they were pushing too hard for sales numbers and not giving a hoot about the client…enough was enough for me. Regional and district managers were the phoniest people i’ve ever met. Because of their shady corporate practices i personally hope they become as poor as the people they “stole” money from who couldn’t afford it in the first place. If anyone in central PA needs to continue where they left off, i will try my best to work with you. my email is sherry at ice fitness pa dot com.
sherry
Jan 15, 2008 at 5:32 pm
oh…while i worked there i also found it fishy when the chairman CEO and founder, vaughn karabajakian(sp?) suddenly modified his last name to “karian”.
oh and by the way…LA/Pure weight loss numbers for fiscal year ending December, 2007:
Sales: $44.9M.
posted on answers dot com, key word “l a weight loss centers”
Mona
Jan 15, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Can anyone in Northridge, California get in touch with me on what to do?? This whole thing is terrible. I had not been in the office for a few months but was redy to get back on track when i tried and tried reaching someone at the office. Finally i went down there only to find a big fat note with numbers that are DISCONNECTED AND RING AND RING!
This company owes PEOPLE WHO TRUSTED THEM big time!
What are we all going to do?
On thw outside looking in
Jan 15, 2008 at 9:39 pm
I’ve been reading all of your blogs and really feel for all of you left hanging. I was in Bakersfield, Calif today visiting a sick relative and my daughter and I happened to drive by an LA Weightloss center. I told her about them all being closed and ask her to drive in front of it to see if they were closed. To my surprise the open sign was on and they were OPEN for business. Maybe you guys can call them and get some answers or something. I hope this helps some of you.
Sue
Jan 16, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Dear “On the Outside” — Thanks for the information. I called the Bakersfield LA Weight Loss and was given a phone number for LA’s Customer Service Line. She said that they are trying to help people who have bars to “redeem” (her word). She didn’t have any more specific information about what they’re offering. I called and got an answering machine. Left a message and hope to hear back.
If anyone else wants to try, the number (toll free) is 877-522-2577. If I learn anything new, I’ll post here. Please do the same if you get through.
Thanks.
Valerie
Jan 17, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Clover,
As far as I understood, after 6 weeks of stabilization is 52 weeks of maintenance. On the “week 6″ of the stabilizations cards it says that they will now introduce the “Maintaining for Life” foos guide” It says that it includes “most common foods you will find in supermarkets and restaurants as well as a guide to help you chooses the healthiest option”. I guess that is what i am looking for. I see that all email addresses are blocked. Anyone know how to get adresses posted???
jill
Jan 17, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Valerie, You can email me and I will help you with maintenence if you would like. I think I still have all of my stuff(sadly I worked for the company for many years)
Rocio
Jan 17, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Does anyone have any info on a class action suit? I really think we are owed back our money! Can someone please contact me if they know of anything?
Thanks!
Valerie
Jan 18, 2008 at 7:01 am
Dear Jill, thanks I appreciate that. Hopefully they wont block the address out. Not sure how to eamil you. I would be willing to send you reimbursement for photocopy and postage if you could send maintenance booklet to me. thanks
sara
Jan 18, 2008 at 8:02 am
hi Clover,
you seem to have a big understanding and be very helpful to pure weight loss customers!
which is a really sweet favor to all!
i am on the maintnence paln of the diet! gold plan
i have 2 questions-
1. is it better to do the no lites plan or a protien bar? if i do the no lites on maintenence gold plan what are the serving now i do 5vegtables 3 fruit 3 starches 2dairy 2fats 2 1/2 protiens!
2. this is my bigger question, a big part of the diet for me was the juicing and thats how i was keeping my weight off! i feel my self starting to gain it all back. i tried orange juice with 0 sodium it didnt work do u have any suggestions for a modification for the juices. im desperate for help with that! if neone has ne help id really apreciate it!
sara
Jan 18, 2008 at 9:43 am
if anyone has juices, i would like to buy them off of anoyone who hae extras. or if anyone has a subsituted idea that works,
thabks
On the outside looking in
Jan 18, 2008 at 11:18 am
Hey guys, I was watching the View and there was a LA Weightloss commercial with Whoopee Goldberg a