On Thursday, 03-18, when I first visited Slim4Life Weight Loss Center, the rep (Amanda) told me that the program used only normal, regular foods you fix yourself—no prepared foods to buy. I was told that the only requirement to buy were herbal supplements. I was given a first-time, one-time, sign up NOW, discounted price of $556 (total program cost $1,291) for a 26-week program with guaranteed 78.8 lbs loss.
I was ready to start that day, and wrote a check (No. 1133) for the $556 program fee. Then she I could not start immediately, as there was a 3-day detoxifying stage; then I could attend the food meeting and learn the details of the plan on Monday. She noticed that I am diabetic, said I would skip the detox step and could attend the next day food meeting. I was given the Starter Pack ($290, math error), including: (1) Vita life Vitamin, (2) Two boxes of supplements, (3) Metabolizer capsules, (4) Essential Fatty Acids capsules, (5) Carb Blockers tablets, (6) Cleansing Tea, and (7) Thermo Boost.
I attended the food meeting on Friday, 03-19. At that time, representative Kimber presented me with the opportunity to buy Supplements needed for the program, see NUTRIENT SUPPLEMENT FORM. The discounted cost to me was over $900 and I declined, saying they told me there were no foods to buy (energy bars, pudding, and soup) and now they are showing me that each suggested meal includes one of their products.
I left. After thinking it over, I stopped payment on my check (this was late afternoon). On, 03/20, Gina called me to see about coming in to finish my food class. I told her that on each visit the Reps (Amanda, Kimber) presented mis-information, contradictory instructions, and re-defined words, that I could not have any confidence in the program. I told her that I had stopped payment on my check. She said that I could not do that and must come in and discuss the situation with her.
I kept my appointment with her the following day (Saturday, 03-20-2101). I had told her I had scheduled an appointment with my primary physician for Thursday, 03-25, showed her the list of blood work that would be done (I had previously told them of my diabetes and kidney/liver concerns). I agreed that I would call after I got the test results, come in, and discuss the situation.
On Thursday, 03-25, Gina called me because I had not called her to set a meeting. I explained that I had seen Dr. Latta that morning, but the test results would not be back until Friday. She told me that I had promised to come in and I corrected her to say that I had agreed to come in when I had the test results. She told me that I must call no later than Monday.
On Monday, 03-29, I did telephone Gina to make an appointment. She was out of the office and I left a message for her to return my call.
On Wednesday, 03-31, I telephoned Slim4Life and spoke with Gina. I told her that I had had my blood work review with my doctor and that it my decision to NOT participate in the program for health reasons; that I would appreciate their accepting my return of the unopened products, and voiding the Contract. She told me that they do not take back products. She told me that the Slim4Life Corporate Office would be handling the matter from this point on.
Later that day, I filed a complaint with the Texas State Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division. While the AG's office "does not take direction on behalf of the complaintant, they will investigat the firm for deceptive business practices and, if warranted, take action on behalf of the collective legal interests of the people of this State."
PLEASE, if you feel you were a victim of this firm, report it to the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General's office of your state. Only citizens taking action can help prevent consumer law violations and enforce the Deceptive Trade Practices Act and other consumer protection laws.
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