I joined LAWL on January 10, 2007. The first few months I lost weight consistently and fairly well. Never over 2 lbs a week. I managed to lose about 30 lbs., gained 5 back, and am now back down to the 30 lb loss mark.
I have both positive and negative things to say about the program. I will list both here. I wasn't sure where to post, because I can't say I am happy, but can't say I am very unhappy either...
My negative experiences...
**LAWL would not discuss price of program or financing options with me over the phone - I had to book a free consult. This raised a big red flag, but I booked the free consult anyway. I have no problems saying the word 'no', so figured why not go to the free consult at least. The price of the program wasn't bad, but the deal is you either pay up front, or put on carecredit. Carecredit has pretty high interest rates. For me it was a lot of $$$ to spend up front.
**LAWL tried to sell me the LA lites in bulk. I refused, explained that I could not afford them. They again suggested carecredit. I told them straight up that I was not interested and could not afford it. After a month, the center did stop trying to push their products. I now only get asked if I need anything - which I easily reply no
**Not doing the lites, I often feel like I am not important or do not mean as much as other clients. I did not get a before picture taken, but lites clients do. When I plateaud, it took the center MONTHS to try to help me. I think had I been using the lites they would have been much more proactive when I plateaud to try to move me past that stage.
**LAWL has this program for the cookie cutter person. They take the approach that we are all the same. Our bodies do function similarily, but what works for most will not necessarily work for all.
**LAWL has no medical staff in the center locations. They call or fax the dietician and/or doctor, but there is no dietician on site. Any time the center has called or faxed the dietician for me, it has taken one or more weeks to hear back from the dietician. At that, I always get the same answer - break my food into smaller meals and eat more often throughout the day. At one point I was eating on the hour every hour and I was still told to break my food up. I took a stand and said this is ridiculous! I had one counsellor admit she hates to call the dietician and avoids it if at all possible...I sometimes wonder if the dietician has EVER really been called on my behalf.
**LAWL took a program which I bought into as being one that works, and changed it a couple of months ago (bringing in of numbered plans). I told counsellors how worried I was about the new plan as it was increased food and calories - and I had been platead for months at that point. I finally agreed to try it and gained 5 lbs in one week. I was put back on their old program, which it has taken me a month to lose those 5 lbs again...begs to question what was wrong with the old plan - why they felt a need to change.
My positive experiences...
***Most of the counsellors are really nice people, so I don't dread going into the center
***weighing in three times a week and knowing someone will be looking at my diary helps me to stay accountable and on track. I like that everything is done one-on-one, the weigh in and the counselling
***A lot or all of the counsellors at the LAWL center I go to did the program themselves. They know what we are going through and can relate.
***I am learning to eat healthy and control portions. The plan calls for normal grocery store foods. The plan also allows for treats and eating out, providing guidelines for doing so. Also, LAWL's cookbook has some great recipe's that are totally on plan.
***Overall the program does work. I know several people who did LAWL and lost weight - why I joined in the first place.