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Herbal Magic Supplements? Do I have a choice?

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Mar 05, 2010
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without supplements
by: Anonymous

I lost 27 lbs. at Herbal Magic without the supplements and quite a bit of cheating. I joined in Dec. 2008 and by May 2009 I had lost the weight.

the program is great!

Sep 10, 2009
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Herbal Magic - Inside Info
by: Patricia

You insights and reasonable advice is much appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to post it! I will review your other site for additional information! Thanks, Patricia

Aug 06, 2009
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Herbal Magic Weight Loss Program
by: Celeste

Hi Shirley!

Thanks so much for sharing the updates with us! I am glad to hear that Herbal Magic has begun to incorporate much more into their Weight Loss programs.

When I was there nuts etc where allowed, but the most in terms of sweets was Skinny Cows frozen treats.

And I am very impressed that you continue to assist your former clients without the financial benefits. Too few former Herbal Magic Councellors do this, but like you, I too chose to use my knowledge for better.

Take care and Thanks Again!

Celeste

Jul 24, 2009
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HM Update
by: Shirley

Hi Celeste - like yourself, I am a former HM counsellor & have a diploma in Natural Health & Nutrition.

The store I worked in closed & I still assist those individuals left behind in the wake of our recession with w/loss counseling, motivation & menu planning. The Menu plan is great & individuals who follow it can lose weight with commitment & diligence & without product. As an update, supplementation is mandatory on the OLP's.

Some info - there is an extended menu which includes nuts, peanut butter & other foods previously restricted.

Also, a Dining Out Guide which provides counts for fast food establishments - Pizza Hut, Subway, etc.

They even have a frozen food guide that includes Lean Cuisines & other favorites. As for a starter kit, just a retail one is available which provides product(4's& chrom), 2 weigh ins, cookbook but no QLP information.

If clients on program do not have these, they should request from their Centre free of charge.

Clients starting program purchase the plan separately from the service weeks - which is for 52 weeks.

The $/week is a standard fee with periodic specials being offered A goal date is established they do not have to pay for additional weeks - an adjusted w/loss goal is reestablished - they have 52 w/loss wks to reach their goal.

They are also provided with a Welcome Kit. New clients have 15 days to obtain a refund but only on the "Service Agreement".

I myself, have been very successful on the herbal magic plan but I work at it every day, incorporate exercise of a minimum of 30min./day in my regime and journal, journal, journal.

This is the best tool anyone can have - I jot down my food/water intake & also my state of mind. Usually, it is boredom or stress that throws us off.

I eat my biggest meal at breakfast (oatmeal) and my lightest at dinner. I now put myself first because if I don't take care of myself then I won't be here to care for my family.

Hope this helps.

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Jul 24, 2009
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Submitted by: Shirley

Title

Comment
Hi Celeste - like yourself, I am a former HM counsellor & have a diploma in Natural Health & Nutrition. The store I worked in closed & I still assist those individuals left behind in the wake of our recession with w/loss counseling, motivation & menu planning. The Menu plan is great & individuals who follow it can lose weight with commitment & diligence & without product. As an update, supplementation is mandatory on the OLP's. Some info - there is an extended menu which includes nuts, peanut butter & other foods previously restricted. Also, a Dining Out Guide which provides counts for fast food establishments - Pizza Hut, Subway, etc. They even have a frozen food guide that includes Lean Cuisines & other favorites. As for a starter kit, just a retail one is available which provides product(4's& chrom), 2 weigh ins, cookbook but no QLP information. If clients on program do not have these, they should request from their Centre free of charge. Clients starting program purchase the plan separately from the service weeks - which is for 52 weeks. The $/week is a standard fee with periodic specials being offered A goal date is established they do not have to pay for additional weeks - an adjusted w/loss goal is reestablished - they have 52 w/loss wks to reach their goal. They are also provided with a Welcome Kit. New clients have 15 days to obtain a refund but only on the "Service Agreement". I myself, have been very successful on the herbal magic plan but I work at it every day, incorporate exercise of a minimum of 30min./day in my regime and journal, journal, journal. This is the best tool anyone can have - I jot down my food/water intake & also my state of mind. Usually, it is boredom or stress that throws us off. I eat my biggest meal at breakfast (oatmeal) and my lightest at dinner. I now put myself first because if I don't take care of myself then I won't be here to care for my family. Hope this helps.

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Apr 15, 2009
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Ps.
by: Celeste

Something I want to mention here:

I used to work for Herbal Magic and I am not on their pay roll in any way. I have seen this program work for many people and I have seen many people quit for many different reasons!

BUT!!! I completely encourage Everyone to make a decision that is right for YOU as this program is not for everyone! It is good to be as informed as possible about any program, not just this one!

There is a lot of negative out there about Herbal Magic, but I think it is based on a lot of bad councilors there. When I worked there, I was fortunate that my original owner let me run the store the way I wanted.

That meant I could tell people which "on program" food to eat before trying to sell them something. And people loved it, and so did I.

My clients were happy and if they weren't than I knew about it and we tried to resolve it. I had clients want to quit and get their money back all the time and if they decided to quit their money was often refunded.

But again, I had a very good store owner who wanted people happy when they left whether it was with or without finishing the program.

I hope anyone reading this thread makes the decision to try Herbal Magic based on their own decisions! Not by someone else's! I hope you do read all of the experiences not just the bad ones.

However, with that being said, it is hard to find positive results that are not written by an owner/councilor/staff of herbal magic.

I suggest to anyone who has purchased the program and is trying to get their money back:

1) Read Your gaurantee. It will list your options.
2) Talk to the staff at your store!
3) If that fails, ask for a meeting with the store manager or owner.
4) Your last resort is to contact Herbal Magic's Head office.

From what I recall, Head Office does not make final decisions but they can potentially communicate with the owner on your behalf. It is their call if they can or will intervene on your behalf.

Good Luck to all reading this post! And please keep sending in your questions and letting others know what has been yours or your friends experiences. This will only help others whichever way they choose!

Celeste

Ps. Herbal Magic Head Office is Located in London, Ontario. You may be able to contact your local rep (the person who over sees all Herbal Magics in your Region) to see what they say or if they can help. From my knowledge, the Herbal Magic of today is not the Herbal Magic of when I worked there.

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Apr 15, 2009
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Submitted by: Celeste

Title

Comment
Something I want to mention here: I used to work for Herbal Magic and I am not on their pay roll in any way. I have seen this program work for many people and I have seen many people quit for many different reasons! BUT!!! I completely encourage Everyone to make a decision that is right for YOU as this program is not for everyone! It is good to be as informed as possible about any program, not just this one! There is a lot of negative out there about Herbal Magic, but I think it is based on a lot of bad councilors there. When I worked there, I was fortunate that my original owner let me run the store the way I wanted. That meant I could tell people which "on program" food to eat before trying to sell them something. And people loved it, and so did I. My clients were happy and if they weren't than I knew about it and we tried to resolve it. I had clients want to quit and get their money back all the time and if they decided to quit their money was often refunded. But again, I had a very good store owner who wanted people happy when they left whether it was with or without finishing the program. I hope anyone reading this thread makes the decision to try Herbal Magic based on their own decisions! Not by someone else's! I hope you do read all of the experiences not just the bad ones. However, with that being said, it is hard to find positive results that are not written by an owner/councilor/staff of herbal magic. I suggest to anyone who has purchased the program and is trying to get their money back: 1) Read Your gaurantee. It will list your options. 2) Talk to the staff at your store! 3) If that fails, ask for a meeting with the store manager or owner. 4) Your last resort is to contact Herbal Magic's Head office. From what I recall, Head Office does not make final decisions but they can potentially communicate with the owner on your behalf. It is their call if they can or will intervene on your behalf. Good Luck to all reading this post! And please keep sending in your questions and letting others know what has been yours or your friends experiences. This will only help others whichever way they choose! Celeste Ps. Herbal Magic Head Office is Located in London, Ontario. You may be able to contact your local rep (the person who over sees all Herbal Magics in your Region) to see what they say or if they can help. From my knowledge, the Herbal Magic of today is not the Herbal Magic of when I worked there.

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Apr 15, 2009
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Hi Jia!
by: Celeste

When it comes to refunds, there's a couple of things to remember:

First Depending on which province (assuming your in Canada) is which refunds will apply. Last I saw, Saskatchewan had the longest time for refunds which I think was 21 days, whereas in Ontario its only 14 days. Each has it own separate laws etc.

Second, the actual bag of items will likely be considered nonrefundable. That's because it is deemed "used" as soon as you leave the store.

Third, sometimes, the owner will allow for a full refund on the time not used, but it is up to the owner as it is a franchise and each are independently owned.

The only way they can continue to charge you for supplements is if you left a document with them allowing them too do so. However, laws also protect you as they cannot continue to charge you so long as you give written request not to any longer.

Some laws allow for a certain amount of time before it is finalized (for ex. Please allow up to 21 days for your request to be processed.)

Another thing to remember is that a lot of people did have bad results, but You have to decide if it is right for you. When I was a manager, there was more successful clients than non successful clients, and not one clients who was 100% compliant on the program stopped losing weight.

I found if they where compliant and did stop losing it was because they joined a gym, which means they are building muscle while trying to lose weight which shows on the scale. Instead of the scale dropping it would increase because muscle is more dense than fat.

Or they had more treats than was allowed on the program which showed on the scale also.

Either way, if you choose to get your money back, start with the store. Discuss your reasons with the manager than go to the owner if necessary. If all else fails try head office.

The biggest challenge I would think you face is the fact that you mentioned haven't done the program even a little. They may try to encourage You to give it a try before making your final decision.

Review the back of your client guarantee and it will outline exactly what you can do. But remember that they may remove the cost of the program (which is that bag you left with & you get to keep), but charge you for weeks used. (Although you may not have been there, it would still typically be considered "used" time).

Good Luck Jia, and please stop by again and let us all know how it turned out!

This is a pretty popular thread around here and people drop by often! I know your results will have a great effect on someone, just like someone else's did on Yours!

Celeste

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Apr 15, 2009
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Submitted by: Celeste

Title

Comment
When it comes to refunds, there's a couple of things to remember: First Depending on which province (assuming your in Canada) is which refunds will apply. Last I saw, Saskatchewan had the longest time for refunds which I think was 21 days, whereas in Ontario its only 14 days. Each has it own separate laws etc. Second, the actual bag of items will likely be considered nonrefundable. That's because it is deemed "used" as soon as you leave the store. Third, sometimes, the owner will allow for a full refund on the time not used, but it is up to the owner as it is a franchise and each are independently owned. The only way they can continue to charge you for supplements is if you left a document with them allowing them too do so. However, laws also protect you as they cannot continue to charge you so long as you give written request not to any longer. Some laws allow for a certain amount of time before it is finalized (for ex. Please allow up to 21 days for your request to be processed.) Another thing to remember is that a lot of people did have bad results, but You have to decide if it is right for you. When I was a manager, there was more successful clients than non successful clients, and not one clients who was 100% compliant on the program stopped losing weight. I found if they where compliant and did stop losing it was because they joined a gym, which means they are building muscle while trying to lose weight which shows on the scale. Instead of the scale dropping it would increase because muscle is more dense than fat. Or they had more treats than was allowed on the program which showed on the scale also. Either way, if you choose to get your money back, start with the store. Discuss your reasons with the manager than go to the owner if necessary. If all else fails try head office. The biggest challenge I would think you face is the fact that you mentioned haven't done the program even a little. They may try to encourage You to give it a try before making your final decision. Review the back of your client guarantee and it will outline exactly what you can do. But remember that they may remove the cost of the program (which is that bag you left with & you get to keep), but charge you for weeks used. (Although you may not have been there, it would still typically be considered "used" time). Good Luck Jia, and please stop by again and let us all know how it turned out! This is a pretty popular thread around here and people drop by often! I know your results will have a great effect on someone, just like someone else's did on Yours! Celeste

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Apr 13, 2009
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HM????
by: Jia

HI. I just joined HM.....the day after I joined I had to go out of the country so didn't start the program. Now it has been 15 days. I am reading a lot of negative reviews on line and I haven't even started. Is there any way I can cancel the program now? If I just walk away leaving the money behind do I still have to pay for a year of supplements? Please help.

Feb 20, 2009
Rating

This Winter Was A Tough One for Everyone!
by: Celeste

Hi S!

I am very happy to hear that you are weighing your options.

I too am very surprised to hear that the supplements are no longer mandatory on the new or revised program.

"
I have felt rather unmotivated and disappointed in myself lately, so I'll probably follow though and call them today."

Try not to worry about feeling unmotivated and disappointed in yourself.

I am going to guess that you are here in Canada and it has been one heck of a rough winter in the north for everyone!!

It has been much colder and more snow than in previous years and that has affected us all.

(I'm in Southern Ontario and we have had a winter that reminds me of growing up in the North!)

Mentally and emotionally with this recession going on, it is hard not to have stresses and worries and not turn to our comfort foods!

When healthy food is more expensive than a bag of chips or a chocolate bar, it is easy to over indulge and hibernate a little.

I do hope you make an appointment with them just to hear what they have to say. Once you sit in with them, you'll know exactly if it is still the program for you or not.

Good Luck!

Celeste

Feb 20, 2009
Rating

Funny your email should arrive today
by: S

Hi Celeste,

Thank you for your interest!

Funny your email should arrive today....

I had decided to save my money and try to do it on my own...that is follow the plan and attempt to lose the weight I had gained back, without the aid of H.M. staff and expensive supplements.

Yesterday, however, I bumped into the owner of my local HM Centre.

When she asked why I had not responded to the letter they had sent, I told her about my decision to avoid spending all that $$$ on the supplements.

Her response (much to my surprise) was, " Oh ...there have been changes and the supplements are no longer mandatory on the new and revised program!

Interesting.

So... I said I'd probably call and book an appointment for next week.

I can't figure out why they would bother to invite me back without a monetary gain on their part. Their collective conscience, perhaps? Hmmmm.

I have felt rather unmotivated and disappointed in myself lately, so I'll probably follow though and call them today.

Take care.

S

Feb 20, 2009
Rating

Decision?
by: Celeste

Hi S!

I just wanted to see how your doing and if you had decided to return to Herbal Magic?

Take care! & Good Luck!

Celeste

Feb 20, 2009
Rating

QLP IV
by: S

Hi Celeste,

Yes I do have the program. I was on the Quick Loss Plus lV version. (been on high blood pressure meds for years).

Thank you for the concrete and refreshingly realistic summation. BTW, I did not detect even a grain of negativity in your letter.

On the contrary, The number crunching results are very helpful. Facts are facts.

I will ponder your feedback and get back to you.

Thank you, again for taking the time to help me in my decision making process!

S.

Feb 20, 2009
Rating

Glad to hear it was mutual!
by: Celeste

Hi S!

I am very happy to hear that it was mutual with the center and good feelings on both sides. That is highly important!!

And Trust me! I know that the number 23 looks small but I know it doesn't feel small by any means! I've been there!

I will have to ask though, do you still have the program?

You can still do it, and just by following the program on your own. The supplements do help, but the cost for sure doesn't!

Depending on the program you where on, they may be able to offer you something a bit different.

Now mind you, I have no idea if they still allow this, but You may be able to go in and find a "Starter Kit". That's for the walk in clients only and is about $400 + but without the program.

However, if you followed the food guide you currently have, you can likely still see the pounds come off.

I understand the frustration of wanting the pounds off now, and seeing an offer like this seems to good to be true, but I would suggest giving them a call.

Or you can look at it from a purely financial perspective (I am basing this on cost when I was there three years ago, although it has likely increased):

Assuming you were on the main program and assuming you lost 2 lbs per week, that is approx. $700 + tax just for the supplements over 11 weeks.

Now, that sounds like a lot of money to me for 23 pounds, but only you can decide.

Do you think you can accomplish this on your own? Or is having someone to be accountable to what will ensure you follow the program and keep the pounds off?

And that is only for the weight loss perspective. There is (or was) 6 weeks of stabilization which is when they give you more food, but the cost is still there.

That is another $384 minimum.

Then there is the maintenance period. Again, this is a whole 52 weeks of more supplements that you will be expected to purchase albeit at a lower cost.

So all together, without having to buy a program, your whole cost for :

11 weeks of weight loss (23 lbs)
6 weeks of Stabilization &
52 weeks of Maintenance

$3164

Good Luck!
Celeste

Ps. I just re-read my letter and instead of changing it I left it the way it is, but I fear it sounds really negative!! I am sorry if that is the way it appears as that was not my intention!

I had only hoped to have helped seeing as it was mentioned about cost.

At the end of the day only you can decide if this is right for you. I would suggest giving them a call to get real numbers.

They will probably want you to come in so you can see the scale, sign a new commitment etc..

But you do have time to think this over.

Good Luck in your decision! It's never an easy one, but always one you have to be sure your ready for!

Again, I hope you'll keep in touch and let me know how your doing!
C

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Feb 20, 2009
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Submitted by: Celeste

Title

Comment
Hi S! I am very happy to hear that it was mutual with the center and good feelings on both sides. That is highly important!! And Trust me! I know that the number 23 looks small but I know it doesn't feel small by any means! I've been there! I will have to ask though, do you still have the program? You can still do it, and just by following the program on your own. The supplements do help, but the cost for sure doesn't! Depending on the program you where on, they may be able to offer you something a bit different. Now mind you, I have no idea if they still allow this, but You may be able to go in and find a "Starter Kit". That's for the walk in clients only and is about $400 + but without the program. However, if you followed the food guide you currently have, you can likely still see the pounds come off. I understand the frustration of wanting the pounds off now, and seeing an offer like this seems to good to be true, but I would suggest giving them a call. Or you can look at it from a purely financial perspective (I am basing this on cost when I was there three years ago, although it has likely increased): Assuming you were on the main program and assuming you lost 2 lbs per week, that is approx. $700 + tax just for the supplements over 11 weeks. Now, that sounds like a lot of money to me for 23 pounds, but only you can decide. Do you think you can accomplish this on your own? Or is having someone to be accountable to what will ensure you follow the program and keep the pounds off? And that is only for the weight loss perspective. There is (or was) 6 weeks of stabilization which is when they give you more food, but the cost is still there. That is another $384 minimum. Then there is the maintenance period. Again, this is a whole 52 weeks of more supplements that you will be expected to purchase albeit at a lower cost. So all together, without having to buy a program, your whole cost for : 11 weeks of weight loss (23 lbs) 6 weeks of Stabilization & 52 weeks of Maintenance $3164 Good Luck! Celeste Ps. I just re-read my letter and instead of changing it I left it the way it is, but I fear it sounds really negative!! I am sorry if that is the way it appears as that was not my intention! I had only hoped to have helped seeing as it was mentioned about cost. At the end of the day only you can decide if this is right for you. I would suggest giving them a call to get real numbers. They will probably want you to come in so you can see the scale, sign a new commitment etc.. But you do have time to think this over. Good Luck in your decision! It's never an easy one, but always one you have to be sure your ready for! Again, I hope you'll keep in touch and let me know how your doing! C

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Feb 20, 2009
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Thank you for the prompt reply!
by: SS

I joined H M in October of 2007,hoping to lose 20 lbs. I lost 15 lbs despite my cheating tendencies, and finally stopped going in August '08, because I was at a standstill.

I felt that my commitment level had dropped off and knew and that my wallet was thinning out, so the centre and I decided I was wasting my time and resources. We parted with good feelings on both sides.

Since leaving the program , I have disappointed myself by being a freewheeling food-aholic and gaining back all the weight I had lost. Stupid me.

Yesterday I received a form letter from my HM Centre, offering me 52 weeks of the program FREE, if I return between Feb. 17th and 21st.

...and I quote:

" Herbal Magic will honour past client memberships and restore your entire 52 week program for absolutely free!"

I know the products/supplements are not included. I figure (obviously) that they miss my money and really want me to buy stuff.

But, it is so costly and I am not sure what to do. I want/ need to lose 23lbs to get to my goal. Doesn't seem like much when I look at the number, but sure feels like a cartload while I'm trying to be "good"!

I'd appreciate your feedback.

Thanks,
S

Feb 20, 2009
Rating

Awesome Question!!!
by: Celeste

And I hope I can help! It's been awhile since I worked there!

Dear S.S.,

Thank you for taking the time to write to me. =)

I do have to tell you that when I worked there (2004-2006) it was mandatory for all clients to take the supplements they offer.

They also did not like when a person bought a comparable product at a lesser cost from somewhere else, because some of the other products have a lot of extras in them (or so we were trained).

This is a major source of cost for a client. I can tell you, though that I had also personal experience with several people's successful weight loss.

You have to sign a "contract" when you join the program as apart of your commitment.

The contract will tell you exactly how much each supplement will cost and how many weeks (most are a weekly cost) you can expect to be paying for them.

Not usually a big deal when you look at it, but $25 a month can add up pretty quick if you are also having to purchase something for more than $50 a week. (Plus the cost of the program)

I would also recommend that should you choose to go with this program, do not leave a credit card on file.

The only reason I suggest this is because if you are not there for a week or two, the charge for supplements will still be put through onto your card, unless a hold is put on it.

I have heard some horror stories, but also a lot of success stories.

Before you make a final decision, I am hoping you will take the time to read a page of mine. It can be found at

http://www.little-known-food-facts.com/Fast-Weight-Loss.html . Click through to the following pages to review some of the information there.

At the end there is a link to a product called Fat Loss 4 Idiots.

I highly recommend this program only because I have seen it's success personally. I had a friend loose 25 "baby" pounds in a month and she looks fantastic!

And it is considerably less costly than the Herbal Magic Program.

I hope you consider all that I have mentioned, but the most important aspect for you to consider is if you can commit to it yourself.

Some people enjoy having someone else to pick through a diary (with herbal magic), while others can accomplish much in the privacy of their own homes.

Good Luck in Your Decision and I hope you will let me know how you have decided!

Celeste

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Feb 20, 2009
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Submitted by: Celeste

Title

Comment
And I hope I can help! It's been awhile since I worked there! Dear S.S., Thank you for taking the time to write to me. =) I do have to tell you that when I worked there (2004-2006) it was mandatory for all clients to take the supplements they offer. They also did not like when a person bought a comparable product at a lesser cost from somewhere else, because some of the other products have a lot of extras in them (or so we were trained). This is a major source of cost for a client. I can tell you, though that I had also personal experience with several people's successful weight loss. You have to sign a "contract" when you join the program as apart of your commitment. The contract will tell you exactly how much each supplement will cost and how many weeks (most are a weekly cost) you can expect to be paying for them. Not usually a big deal when you look at it, but $25 a month can add up pretty quick if you are also having to purchase something for more than $50 a week. (Plus the cost of the program) I would also recommend that should you choose to go with this program, do not leave a credit card on file. The only reason I suggest this is because if you are not there for a week or two, the charge for supplements will still be put through onto your card, unless a hold is put on it. I have heard some horror stories, but also a lot of success stories. Before you make a final decision, I am hoping you will take the time to read a page of mine. It can be found at http://www.little-known-food-facts.com/Fast-Weight-Loss.html . Click through to the following pages to review some of the information there. At the end there is a link to a product called Fat Loss 4 Idiots. I highly recommend this program only because I have seen it's success personally. I had a friend loose 25 "baby" pounds in a month and she looks fantastic! And it is considerably less costly than the Herbal Magic Program. I hope you consider all that I have mentioned, but the most important aspect for you to consider is if you can commit to it yourself. Some people enjoy having someone else to pick through a diary (with herbal magic), while others can accomplish much in the privacy of their own homes. Good Luck in Your Decision and I hope you will let me know how you have decided! Celeste

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I can not and will not be held liable for any supplements or advice you follow by reading this forum.

You are responsible for your actions, including what happens if you follow advice posted to this website, regardless of whom posts the information.

Use supplements and only change a excersise plan or eating plan with the advice of your family doctor.