My Wife and I just signed up for L.A. Weight Loss last week, and it was only today that I read your posts on the salesmanship of product, as well as the 20/20 episode of which you speak. I can say honestly that I had some concerns about the process once I read these posts.
Thankfully, we just went for our first appointment today, where we were provided our respective Meal Plans, and were informed about the different supplements and snack bars that could be purchased. I was happy to find that while we were informed about the products available, the counselor didn't go out of her way to 'push' any products on us.
I did go in thinking that I might have to fight against purchasing the products (which aren't in my Wife's or my personal plans) but was pleasantly surprised that it didn't happen to us.
I feel bad for those who do have to endure the 'hard sell', as sometimes, salespeople try to guilt you into buying, or tell you that you won't succeed if you don't buy their product. I've been a member of a few gyms where this has been the case, so we are both pleasantly surprised about our experience today.