Pure Weight Loss News and Gossip.

razmataz, What do you do if you are on the purple or red plan with no lites?

thanks, Amy

I had success with the LA Weight Loss program and was very frustrated with the way the company handled shutting their doors. I still have products which I could not receive at the center and was instructed to submit a form for reimbursement.

Should the company not reimburse for the dollars spent, any way of recouping costs incurred? Class Action Law Suit?

mememe in North Wales, Pennsylvania said: There is nothing as good as the lites of course I will miss they were one of the best parts of the program. Bring the box of lites to the store and compare the calories, fat, carbs, protein to get the closest things to the lites. However I guarantee they will not taste as good.

Slim Fast and Luna Bars come the closest from what research I have done.

Any suggestions for the Fast Forward? I would like to see if I could make it myself using a juicer.

razmataz in West Chester, Pennsylvania said: Carol,

What plan are you on? And, how tall are you? I can tell you your plan without the lites and also try to figure out your drop sequence. I have most of it memorized.

Razmataz, I am on a no lite program the purple menu plan. They close dthe week after having no power so no answers available.. Thank you for any suggestions.

willclerk. i am an sr. management employee here is what you do for ff with no juice. simply substitute oranges or canteloup for the juice and eat your protein and veggies the same way. many years ago that is how we used to do ff before the juice. it works just as well. in my opinion BETTER. good luck.

How many oranges? And wasn't that a three day plan? Also since you are in sr mgmt can you tell me how to do the Red and Purple plan with no lites? thanks so much! Amy

willclerk in Joliet, Illinois said: I had success with the LA Weight Loss program and was very frustrated with the way the company handled shutting their doors. I still have products which I could not receive at the center and was instructed to submit a form for reimbursement.

Should the company not reimburse for the dollars spent, any way of recouping costs incurred? Class Action Law Suit?

I have filled out my form along with all of the paper work. I have also filed a complaint with the NYS Attorney General. I also contacted my credit card company and have disputed the last two purchases of bars. (One was Dec. 4th and the other Aug. 24th) I think I have done all I can do at this point. I also e-mailed Pure...they will only say to submit my paper work. They won't give any other answers to my questions. I think they also know Pure is going into bankruptcy. Once that happens...all the paperwork and additional costs to send it certified (just the company's way of twisting that knife a little more) will be for naught. Creditors can't touch them. Oh yeah...we can go to any bankruptcy hearings...but we will be the last ones to receive anything...which I'm sure will be a big fat ZERO.

It more than likely will come down to a class action lawsuit. By the time it's fought in court...which usually takes years...and the lawyers get all they get...we may see $@0.00 bucks a piece.

In the mean time...the crooks that raped all of it's members and in some cases, employees...will set up shop under another name.

willclerk in Joliet, Illinois said: Slim Fast and Luna Bars come the closest from what research I have done.

Any suggestions for the Fast Forward? I would like to see if I could make it myself using a juicer.

Hi Willclerk!

"Hollywood 48 Hour Miracle Diet" drink -- you can get it at pharmacies like Rite Aid or CVS etc. It's got the exact same ingredients as the Take Off drink. (aka Fast Forward drink) GOOD LUCK!

willclerk in Joliet, Illinois said: Slim Fast and Luna Bars come the closest from what research I have done.

Any suggestions for the Fast Forward? I would like to see if I could make it myself using a juicer.

You can use the 48 hour diet juice. It does the same thing as the Fast Forward. It has all of the same nutrients and vitamins...but it tastes alot better than the Fast Forward crap did and it costs 4 times less.

That's what puzzles me about this business. There was at least a 2-3 hundred markup on their products. All the help did was weight you and look over your journal...then try to rope you into buying more over priced garbage. I was one of the many that got suckered into the sales pitch. I knew better...LAWL had already settled with NY false claims in 2002. Yet I bought their speel to rape me.

www.oag.state.ny.us/press/2002/jan/jan23b_02.html

I was not aware of the closing as I have been out of town. I just found out last night and the centers in Jacksonville, FL have all closed. I never got a phone call to pick up my bars or anything. I guess I'm SOL as far as the bars go but really need info on how to finish the program. I was on the yellow program and need the program without bars as well as stabilization and maintenance. Can anyone help me? I am not mad at anyone other than my own stupidity for not seeing this coming when the name changed. My center manager was totally wonderful. She got moved 3 times since July...Lisa, I just think she is the best and wish her well. It is not her fault I didn't get the news as my file was actually at the 2nd center she was located. That center should have called me to let me know. I did file a complaint with the PA Att.Gen. and will do so with FL. I don't seem to see anyone from the FL area much on here upset or saying much. I wish all employees the best in your futures. I'm going to try to help Lisa find something to do....she helped me get 20 lbs off and I still need 20 more to go. If one of you kind people can please email me the rest of the plan I would be forever in your debt as this is the only program I have ever really been successful on and not felt like I wanted to eat the house down. I wish all a much happier New Year.

Thanks for your suggestion.

Is there a specific quantity or oranges or canteloup one should use.
Should you use both?

Should this be made via a juicer or just eat the fruit in its natural state?

yonkersbaby in Cold Spring, New Jersey said: Hi Willclerk!

"Hollywood 48 Hour Miracle Diet" drink -- you can get it at pharmacies like Rite Aid or CVS etc. It's got the exact same ingredients as the Take Off drink. (aka Fast Forward drink) GOOD LUCK!

thanks for the info. I will look at the contents and give it a try.

I agree with you notthereyet. I am not mad at anyone I just want the rest of the information for me and my friends that are doing it. Someone posted the stabilization a few pages back.

I just need to know how to do the red and purple plan without lites.

Thanks for the tip on the 48 hr. juice in place of the FF. I definitly need it after my Christmas binges. I too would like to her about the oranges and cantaloup. Can you use OJ instead of oranges? I'm not fond of eating oranges...go figure...in FL and don't eat oranges. I've also been reading people suggesting Balance bars, Slimfast bars and Luna bars...are they all equal to the Lites? How about the Southbeach bars?

I use the Excel once a day vs. 2 times (perhaps for a confidence enhancer more than anything). Is there any other product on the market similar?

The Excel does actually seem to curb my appetite.

I have been trying to go through the past pages to find the stabilization plan, maintenance and other program plans but having a hard time finding it. I guess I don't want to read every word from so many upset people. Don't blame them, but I just can't go there myself. Could someone please either direct me to which page number to find the info or else email me the info. Thanks.

The Vitamax worked better for me than the Excel. Maybe someone will know if something is similar to that as well. What will happen to things like that that have not been sold when all the centers close? Does anyone know if they will sell it over the internet or something?

STABILIZATION:

WEEK 1:
ADD 1 FAT SERVING (choose unsaturated, monosaturated and polyunsaturated most commonly found in vegetable and fish oils such as salmon, olives, nuts)

WEEK 2:
ADD 1 FRUIT & 2 VEGETABLE SERVINGS (darker fruits/vegetables are richer in antioxidants; those with skin or seeds are higher in fiber)

WEEK 3:
ADD 1/2 PROTEIN and 1 CONDIMENT (applys to green, gold, purple only)

WEEK 4:
ADD 1 STARCH (choose complex carbs such as oatmeal, whole grain cereal. Complex carbs are higher in fiber which aid in digestion, helps keep you full and may also protect against high cholesterol levels and stabilize elevated blood sugar levels)

WEEK 5:
ADD 1 DAIRY (nonfat and lowfat)

WEEK 6:
Go to the maintenance guide. The key for a healthy body, healthy weight and a healthy mind is balance, variety, and moderation. All foods can fit into a healthy lifestyle.

No don't use OJ in place of organges. Too much sugar. Use 3 oranges in place of ff or a 1/8 of cantalupe 3 times per day. i would not recommend the hollywood diet drink too much sugar and it does not have the same vitamin percentages.

Thank you for your suggestion, it is appreciated. I assume it is is better to use the fruit in its natural state as opposed to putting it through a juicer, correct?

In addition to the fruit you should continue to eat the 6 oz of protein and 2 servings of green vegetables as you would use with the FF method?

everyone I know are using portionpals (www.portionpal.com)This is great because you can eat your own food instead of buying high priced plans THAT GO OUT OF BUSINESS. Shame on Pure/LA Weight loss

Conniefummom said: everyone I know are using portionpals ( www.portionpal.com )This is great because you can eat your own food instead of buying high priced plans THAT GO OUT OF BUSINESS. Shame on Pure/LA Weight loss

You have to pay to use that site. Why the hell should I? I'm owed money and I damn well want it. I'll go to Weight Watchers...they are reputable and have never been sued...unlike LA/Pure. Shame on me for going there.

I've been to my store a couple of times the last several days only to find the store closed. No explanation, no message on their voicemail. I went online today and have been reading that the company is closing. I've tried calling the customer service phone # posted on their site and it just refers you to their email address. I pre-purchased the LA Lites and was hoping to get them. Without them, I don't know that I would have been successful losing my weight.

I was going to the Fairfax, VA center to pick up some lites today but when I called there (to make sure she still had some), no one answered. I called 3 other centers in the area and NO ONE answered at ANY center! I'm not sure if their phones have been cut off or they're closed. I have business in the area of one center on Wednesday so I'm going to drive there and check it out. Will let everyone know the progress.

I have cereal bars & EFAs if anyone is interested. Thanks.

Private Private in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania said: willclerk. i am an sr. management employee here is what you do for ff with no juice. simply substitute oranges or canteloup for the juice and eat your protein and veggies the same way. many years ago that is how we used to do ff before the juice. it works just as well. in my opinion BETTER. good luck.

Private, how many oranges? I've used cantelope but didn't get the same results as the FF juice. I need to restart purple without lites, since I have none. Can you help me? Here's my email: Lostitfast58@aim.com Many thanks.

Private Private in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania said: willclerk. i am an sr. management employee here is what you do for ff with no juice. simply substitute oranges or canteloup for the juice and eat your protein and veggies the same way. many years ago that is how we used to do ff before the juice. it works just as well. in my opinion BETTER. good luck.

I made a typo in my post. Here's my correct email address: Loseitfast58@aim.com

Thanks.

I would like to know how to get either reimbursement or products. I missed a couple of weeks and when I went back they were closed with no explanation or offer to recoup products.. the LA/Pure program is good and i wish i could at least get the producets so i could contine on my own

Thank you, I will give that a try. Good luck to you. This truly was a great program. I lost 25 lbs and my daughter lost 30 pounds. I have another daughter that has just started the program which I am hoping I can guide her through it to help her succeed as well.

You are correct, the plan does work without the bars, my husband lost 20 pounds without bars. The will to lose weight has to be there and exercise and moderation is a huge key to success.

I have the Fast Forward drink, but I have only the hot cocoa lites; I know you are supposed to use the bars with the FF drink. Can I use the hot cocoa instead?

Texas Mom in Garland, Texas said: I have the Fast Forward drink, but I have only the hot cocoa lites; I know you are supposed to use the bars with the FF drink. Can I use the hot cocoa instead?

Hey texas mom, you can use the hot coco lites while doing take-off, however you might want to find some protein bars at your local drug store that's about 160 calories and use two of those while doing the juice for the two days. I assume you are doing take-off right?

When I joined LAWL, I originally lost 80 pounds, but through unresolved emotional eating issues, gained a great portion back. Came back to the Center and lost some of the weight, then back slide again. I was looking forward to starting off the New Year getting back on track and losing the weight and putting the emotional eating issues behind me. Thought my Willowbrook Center had wonderful, caring employees, and had high opinion of the center's manager I most recently saw, Kathy. Wish everyone who worked at the Willowbrook Center well in '08, as well as those who lost their positions through no fault of their own. I am very sad that the centers are closing in Texas.
Would appreciate any advise on how to follow the program from afar as I prepurchased my program -- not certain how many weeks I had left? Please advise. Thanks.

dianneindeed in Virginia said: I was going to the Fairfax, VA center to pick up some lites today but when I called there (to make sure she still had some), no one answered. I called 3 other centers in the area and NO ONE answered at ANY center! I'm not sure if their phones have been cut off or they're closed. I have business in the area of one center on Wednesday so I'm going to drive there and check it out. Will let everyone know the progress.

I have cereal bars & EFAs if anyone is interested. Thanks.

The centers are only open on Wednesday and Fridays. Wednesday we are open from 3pm-7pm and then Friday the 4th we are closed for good at 1pm. We open at 9am and close at 1pm. Thats why when you called no one answered. We were closed for the new year.

Does anyone know if the center in Colerain is still open? I just found out about the closing on Sunday. I have to admit I cried my eyes out. I lost 66 pounds so far and still have 20 to lose. I need help learning Stabilization and Maintenance. I also will sorely miss the recipes on Pure at Home. They were so helpful does anyone know of a way to access them or have any they are willing to share? Also I just bought more weight loss weeks on the 8th of December thank god it was only 36 bucks as I doubt I will ever see it. I had over a year of service still left. Does anyone know how I can figure out how much they still owe me?

Linda, I know that's you! You always had a good heart, but god's sake woman, writing someone up when they had (and still have) proof of a forgery? Jesus Christ. They were all lucky I never did anything with it. How about the "special" PSV form only to be given to people "who could do it?" (Doubling the maintenence bulk and saying that was the only way to get a rebate.) Not a corporate thing, but a "divisional" thing. And yeah, I hold a huge grudge. The money that was made off my back and everyone else's. People out there, I quit over 2 years ago but the crap I saw after 7 years with that company would make your hair stand on end ...Not in the first 4, but after the Vahan and CB thing, that's when good people got their asses kicked out, or quit. The last 2 years at that place I couldn't believe the BS going on, and when they knew you were onto it, forget it. You were dead meat. Play the game, screw the client, tell them whatever. I am not surprised they sold weeks to people knowing they were closing.

temparrett - I can get you the recipes. You can email me at awalrod@aol.com
put Pure in the subject line. Take Care - Amy

Are there any franchises in SW Ohio, SE Indiana, or Northern Kentucky? I'm on maintenance now, but also have unused weeks. I had hoped to pick up the Lites I paid for, but the store here hasn't been open. Also, I signed up when 50% of your fees were returned if you maintained your goal weight after 26 and 52 weeks (25% at each interval). I've been reading many of the posts on here. It saddens me to learn of all the loyal employees who've lost their jobs, as well as this set back for those on the program.

Angellady - I live in Indiana, there is one in Evansville and Terre Haute.

temparrett in Cincinnati, Ohio said: Does anyone know if the center in Colerain is still open? I just found out about the closing on Sunday. I have to admit I cried my eyes out. I lost 66 pounds so far and still have 20 to lose. I need help learning Stabilization and Maintenance. I also will sorely miss the recipes on Pure at Home. They were so helpful does anyone know of a way to access them or have any they are willing to share? Also I just bought more weight loss weeks on the 8th of December thank god it was only 36 bucks as I doubt I will ever see it. I had over a year of service still left. Does anyone know how I can figure out how much they still owe me?

Temparrett, if you are talking about the recipes developed by Pure Weight Loss, I have some of those. I also have some that I downloaded from the bulletin board area (those were the BEST!). I have them in a Word file. Let me know what you want or where to send them.

Beejene - rumor is that the Franchises are closing within the next three months.

Beejene in Upstate, New York said: Can you be more specific? How do you know this? Since its a different company and they are privately owned how can they all just close? Also if there is anyone else out there that can provide more information, please let us know.

Beejene - you are mistaken, there is no parent company. Harold Katz is the connection between the 3 companies. He created NutriSystem back in the 70s, before later selling it and buying the Philadelphia 76ers. In 1997 he decided to get back into the weight loss game, and he bought into Vahan Karabajakian's company, which was called Quick Weight Loss and eventually became LA Weight Loss. In 2004, the company split and Harold Katz took over running the franchises and Vahan controlled the corporate entity. The split made them 2 completely separate companies.

teamweightloss.net for all those in texas or not who just want weight loss tips and video classes coming up for FREE go to my web sight I can help you with all your weight loss questions I was a center manager for pure and now I am on my own here in Fort worth so any questions please feel free to e-mail me I will help all pure weight loss clients free of charge!

Unfortunately, I can't give you any more specifics, but I do work in corporate and heard certain things. I heard that the franchises were not doing well either and that they would be closing within the next three months. Who know's if it's true or not....but it wouldn't surprise me.

Robard Corporation.

I am with Robard Corporation out of Mt. Laurel, NJ....if there are any managers, salespeople or directors interested in potential jobs in the same industry, please email me at brett@robard.com
our website is www.robard.com. We have been around for 30 years and we are not going anywhere.

Robard Corporation part 2.

I also wanted to offer the possibility of working with individuals interested in starting their own center. We have many successful centers that we work with. If you go to our website you can see all the products we manufacture.
www.robard.com

thanks

dianneindeed - yes I would very much be interested in your recipes that you have from Pure at Home. I already have the cookbook so I don't need those just the ones from the site. you can email them to be at lotsofwillpower@yahoo.com Thanks!

My weigh was fluctuating from 152-159lbs since the spring time so I asked my Pure weight Loss counselor to put me on stabilization, thinking I would not reach my goal of 135 lbs. My height is 5ft 1 1/2 inches and I started the Pure weight Loss Program weighing 185 lbs. I use the blue book (for seniors-my age is 68). I bought the 48 hr.miracle drink today (have strayed off the program and gained during the xmas holidays) as recommended on this forum as a replacement for the LA drink. The bottle says do not eat any food for the two days using the drink. Can I eat food as when doing LA's fast forward or quick start? And any suggestions on reaching my goal weight?

Patricia Davis in Baltimore, Maryland said: My weigh was fluctuating from 152-159lbs since the spring time so I asked my Pure weight Loss counselor to put me on stabilization, thinking I would not reach my goal of 135 lbs. My height is 5ft 1 1/2 inches and I started the Pure weight Loss Program weighing 185 lbs. I use the blue book (for seniors-my age is 68). I bought the 48 hr.miracle drink today (have strayed off the program and gained during the xmas holidays) as recommended on this forum as a replacement for the LA drink. The bottle says do not eat any food for the two days using the drink. Can I eat food as when doing LA's fast forward or quick start? And any suggestions on reaching my goal weight?

Hi Patricia...

Let me try and help you. First of all, you, as a senior should not go without eating. I would say go ahead and use that juice, but be sure to eat. You really shouldn't even eat from that "Fast Start.. Proper term "TAKE OFF". That isn't enough food for you. I would eat unlimited proteins and green veggies, along with one slice of lite bread and on 8oz. glass of skim milk. Along with that, just drink that juice.

Hope that is helpful to you!!

RedRoseVertigo in Ithaca, New York said: She scares me, honestly. I am sure she is a lovely woman if she is not your boss but I got ulcers when she was expected visit. The irony was she never actually came. I worked at Pure for 6 months and she came once and I had off.

Trust me, KC was not a lovely woman at any time. Not 2 faced, but 20 faced. One of those most horrid and unethical people I ever encountered. Also forged a medical history to enable a person with kidney stones to buy bars. (Trust me, I got the evidence). Isn't it funny that they later decided to allow people with kidney stones to use them? Musta needed the $$$$$. They didn't change the lites so why the change of heart?

Thank you for the information alwayssmilin. I will see if I can locate them & contact them.