How Much Does a Vitrectomy Cost?

A vitrectomy, considered to be a low-risk surgical procedure, is designed to eliminate the vitreous gel from the center of your eye.

Being removed for a variety of reasons, Healthline notes it’s often removed in order for your surgeon to access your retina to obtain better access to the back of the eye.

The success rate, even if you’re older than 60 years old, is about 90 percent.

“retina” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by s13n1

The cost of a vitrectomy surgery in the USA

The cost of a vitrectomy will greatly depend on your health insurance policy, the surgeon performing the procedure, what needs to be done during the surgery, the facility and your geographical location.  From our research online, the average costs, without any health insurance, will range anywhere from $1,000 to $7,000 per eye.  Based on the multiple sources we found online, the prices really came down to how much the facility was willing to haggle if you didn’t have insurance and how much needed to be done during the surgery.

However, if you do have health insurance, it should be covered as long as it’s medically necessary.  In this case, you will solely be responsible for your co-pays and deductibles, but in most cases, even if you have a high deductible plan, the insurance rate will be much lower than someone who doesn’t have an insurance policy.

RetinaOC.com, a Harvard-educated physician, offered its pricing via its official price sheet.  A vitrectomy with a focal endolaser would cost $1,141 if you paid cash up front, whereas a vitrectomy with the removal of the membrane of the retina would cost $1,368.

On a TapaTalk.com group, a few members talked about the costs of a vitrectomy.  One member, in particular, said he was billed $12,000, but he was only responsible for $1,000, while another said don’t be afraid of the high costs as many professionals are willing to knock down the price to about $6,000 if you haggle.

Why it’s done

Aside from being performed to access your retina, it can also be done if your vitreous humor is either inflamed, infected or filled with blood.  It can also help treat other conditions, including:

• bleeding inside of the eye
• cataracts
• detached retina
• diabetic retinopathy
• infections
• injury to the retina
• repair tears in the retina
• trauma to the eye
• help reduce vision loss which was caused by the vitreous gel

How is it done?

Before the surgery, your doctor will more than likely ask you to take a few days off work and bring someone in with you so they can drive you home after you’re ready to go home.

Once admitted and prepared, you will be given a mild anesthesia to number your eye, but in some cases, a general anesthesia can be considered if you prefer this option.

During the procedure, the surgeon will fully open your eyelids, followed by cutting through the first layer of your eye tissue.

Once this first layer is cut, the white tissue, known as the sclera, is cut into.

In these cuts, he or she will insert cutters, forceps and scissors, followed by inserting a fiber-optic light into one of the lights in order to see inside of the eye.

When able to see inside, the vitreous and any necessary tissue will be removed and replaced with another substance, which is often air, gas or a saline solution.  Eventually, this substance will replace the fluid your eye was able to create naturally.

Depending on your circumstances, any other surgeries, at this time, will be performed to either repair your retina and/or remove damaged tissue.

Lastly, all tools and lights will be removed from the cut and the openings in your eye will be stitched, but in some cases, stitches may not be required at all as your eye will be able ot naturally heal itself without them.

The entire surgery, from start to finish, lasts two to three hours.

Recovery period

After the procedure, your doctor will monitor your position and will let you know when you can go home depending on your vitals.  Most healthy people are able to go home the same day, but in some cases, if other procedures were performed, you may be asked to stay overnight.

While you’re recovering, you will need to take prescribed eye drops as prescribed and will be asked to refrain from driving until your doctor says your vision has returned to normal.  Also, depending on your pain tolerance, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be recommended as well.

Directly after the surgery, you will also be asked to lay your head on one side to help maintain pressure in your eye.

Vitrectomy risks and complications

As per WebMD.com, risks and complications may include cataracts, high-pressure buildup inside the eye, bleeding into the vitreous gel, retinal detachment and/or an infection inside of the eye.

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Valve Cover Gasket Replacement Cost

The valve cover, not to be confused with the head gasket, is a piece of plastic or metal, and is designed to cover the top of the cylinder head, essentially sealing the surfaces found between the valve cover(s) and the cylinder head(s).  This part will help prevent the motor oil from leaking out as it travels through the valves, rockers and the camshafts.  In addition, many vehicles will have many of its spark plug ports sealed by the valve cover gasket as well.

If you’re finding oil leaking, which is producing a burning-like smell, coming from a valve gasket cover beneath the hood, then it needs to be replaced before the oil leaks start to damage other engine components such as coolant hoses, spark plugs or in extreme circumstances — a fire due to the oil leaking into the exhaust manifolds.

“Cleaned Valve Cover Gasket” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by lumachrome

The reported valve cover gasket replacement costs

The costs of a valve cover gasket replacement, as with any car repair, will greatly depend on the car you drive and the mechanic/dealership you take into.  From our research, the costs of the repair, including both the parts and labor, will be in the $125 to $350 range. 

In some cases, however, your luxury brands, such as BMW or Lexus, can be double this amount, but this is often the case with most car repairs.

With so many differences in prices based on the vehicle you drive, we searched the Internet for popular brands and included the costs we had researched and found in the table below:

Now, as for the parts, the cost, like the repair, will greatly depend on the make and model of your vehicle, but most parts, regardless of this, will be in the $10 to $35 range.  On Amazon.com, for instance, the best selling parts retail for about $15 to $40, whereas AutoZone has .

YourMechanic, via its mechanics in its system, state the average estimate can be anywhere from as little as $149 to as much as $655.

How does a valve cover gasket work?

This valve cover sits atop of the cylinder head, and the valve cover gasket, generally molded from rubber and designed to specifically fit this area, is sandwiched between the two, allowing to the oil to circulate.  In most cases, when this part is deemed faulty, the spark plug gaskets, part of this part, will need to be replaced at the same time as well.

The repair process

The bolts holding the valve cover together will first be tapped loose in order to access the gasket.  Depending on the vehicle setup, any hoses, cables and other electrical connectors, which attach to the valve cover will be removed as necessary.

Next, the spark plugs will be removed and the tubes will be inspected for any signs of oil pooling.  If any oil is noticed, then each tube will be cleaned with a washcloth, often attached to a screwdriver.  If any of these spark plugs are in poor condition, then the mechanic will replace the spark plugs at this time.

Once the spark plugs are back in place, the valve cover will be removed, exposing the gasket.  At this time, the old gasket will be removed and the cover, while its often, will be cleaned with a brake cleaner and dried with a rag.  Next, the mating surfaces on the engine will be wiped down and any traces of old sealant on the timing belt cover-to-cylinder head will be cleaned as well.

When all the parts are cleaned and dried, new vulcanizing (RTV) sealant will be applied to the same locations and the new gasket valve cover will be installed, followed, lastly, by bolting down the valve cover.

Symptoms of a poor valve cover gasket

In most cases, oil leaking down the side of the valve cover tends to be the largest red flag.  As oil is acidic, it can begin to eat away at anything plastic or rubber, putting other parts in jeopardy if you ignore the problem.

Via a visual inspection, the gasket, which seals the spark plug port, can begin to look “weaker” than it should, and over time, if left ignored, can lead to an oil leak, which can cause multiple issues as we mentioned.

Debris and oil found around the valve cover can often indicate a faulty part.

A slight or burning oil smell may come from beneath the hood when the engine is running.

Tips to know

While there is no “set” interval when this part will go bad, the part, eventually, will degrade to a point where it will begin to leak.  In most cases, the leak, when it starts slow, may be noticeable during a normal servicing appointment, making it easy to repair before it gets out of hand.

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How Much Does Take Shape for Life Cost?

Take Shape for Life, introduced by Medifast in 1980, is considered to be a multi-level marketing meal replacement program which is aimed at helping people lose weight.  Aside from offering meal replacements for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the company also offers online coaching.  Depending on the plan chosen, all varying in costs, you can see results in as little as seven days.

“weight loss” (Public Domain) by zaid167

The reported Take Shape for Life monthly costs

The costs for the program, from what we researched, averaged about $390 a month for the meal replacement kits, which often includes bars, smoothies, shakes, drinks, soups and snacks, according to the meal kits we found online.  For starter kits, be prepared to spend about $300, whereas each individual product will cost about $20, which is good enough for seven servings.  The average kit, if used accordingly, will last about 30 days and will be enough to help you lose the weight as the company claims.

As the company offers a variety of different kits, the costs will vary depending on your preferences, but one thing is for certain — if you purchase in bulk, you can save the most money when buying directly from the company.

NOTE:  These prices were sourced from tsfl.com

If you were to purchase outside of the official website, we were able to find lower prices.  On eBay, for instance, we were able to find about 20 listings, with prices ranging from $42 for 17 meals to $150 for 98 total meals.  Your results, if you were to check the auctions at this time, may vary, but if you are interested in the program, this could be a great place to start to save money.

The costs of becoming a “health coach”

If you’re interested in becoming a health coach in order to promote the products, then BodyNutrition.org notes it will cost $200 for your training kit in order to become a distributor.  From there, you will need to purchase the products directly from the company and you will receive a 20% commission on all client orders when they purchase directly from you.  Like any MLM company, as you move up the rankings, you will receive a growth bonus based on the production volume.  So, if you sold one of those $299 kits, for example, you could receive close to $60 in commission hypothetically.

How does it work?

Take Shape for Life, being a meal replacement program, offers a three-tiered system which uses pre-packaged meals, along with support from an online health coach.  These meals include all sorts of different foods, including soups, shakes, bars and more, all designed to replace your meals for the next 30 days if you were to buy a kit.  All of the meals use natural ingredients and are naturally flavored.  According to the company, the meals are scientifically backed with filling and nutritious ingredients, all designed for effective weight loss.

Via their , you can either purchase a full starter kit, which will include 20 boxes for the next four weeks and the kits will already be assigned containing various foods, or you can create your own four-week plan, where you’re able to choose from over 20 boxes, including bars, bites, pretzels, soft bakes, cereal crunch, drinks, eggs, oatmeal, pancakes, pudding, soft serve, shakes or soups.  You can see more of the meals/products offered in the list below.

Aside from the meal replacement kits, you will also be asked to cook a lean protein and a vegetable during your meal, which will increase the costs as mentioned above.  You can download the company’s official shopping list by going here.  The key here is consuming five meal replacements every day, at least two to three hours apart, and the sixth meal will be self-prepared by using one of the lean and green products in the link linked in the previous sentence.  Each meal will have the same nutrition profile, designed to meet your mineral, nutrient and vitamin needs.

Mimicking other techniques used by related diet programs, the meal replacements focus on a high fiber, high protein, low in fat and sugar intake.

Take Shape for Life food samples

Bars

• Cookie dough chewy bar
• Peanut butter chocolate chip chewy bar
• Caramel crunch bar
• Chocolate crunch bar
• Chocolate mint crunch bar
• Cinnamon roll crunch bar
• Fruit and nut crunch bar
• Lemon meringue crunch bar
• Oatmeal raisin crunch bar
• Peanut butter crunch bar
• S’more crunch bar
• Strawberry crunch bar
• Caramel maintenance bar

Shakes

• Dutch
• French vanilla
• Mocha
• Orange cream
• Strawberry
• Dutch chocolate

Smoothies

• Pineapple Mango
• Triple Berry

Drinks

• Calorie burn cappuccino
• Hot cocoa

Crunchers

• BBQ bites
• Cheese pizza bites
• Cinnamon pretzel sticks
• Honey mustard pretzel sticks
• Chili nacho cheese puffs
• Parmesan cheese puffs

Hearty Choices

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Sour cream and chives mashed potatoes
• Mac and cheese
• Vegetable Chili
• Ziti Marinara
• Tomato basil bisque
• Wild rice and chicken soup
• Chicken noodle soup
• Beef vegetable soup

Breakfast

• Cinnamon and brown sugar cereal
• Mixed berry cereal crunch
• Chocolate chip pancakes
• Original pancakes
• Spiced Pancakes
• Apple cinnamon oatmeal
• Blueberry oatmeal
• Maple and brown sugar oatmeal
• Peach oatmeal

Desserts

• Chocolate pudding
• Blueberry muffin soft bake
• Brownie soft bake
• Chocolate chip soft bake
• Gingerbread soft bake
• Chocolate mint soft serve
• Coffee soft serve

Ingredients found in the pre-packaged foods

Some of the packages we saw online included some of the following ingredients.  Do keep in mind, however, that we may be missing some ingredients, so it’s important to check the back of the package for more information.

• Autolyzed Yeast
• Bacillus Coagulans
• Chicory Root Inulin
• Organic Coconut Sugar
• Curry Powder
• Erythritol
• Lemon Juice Concentrate
• Medium Chain Triglycerides
• Monk Fruit Extract
• Organic Cain Juice
• Resistant Corn Starch (Dietary Fiber)
• Stevia Extract
• Organic Sweet Potato Powder
• Tapioca Dextrin
• Whey Protein Concentrate

Take Shape for Life reviews around the Internet

On DietSpotlight.com, the average review from close to 120 reviewers was 3.2-star rating.  The positive reviewers talked about how easy the program was to use, whereas the negative reviewers talked about the low-calorie meals, the costs and the taste of the products.

At DietsinReview.com, 16 reviewers gave it an average of 95%, with some of the positive reviews claiming it’s the best program they ever tried.

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Seiko Watch Repair Cost

Seiko recommends you contact an authorized Seiko Service Center or an appointed dealer for all watch repairs as the watch is a sensitive precision instrument which will require a highly trained technician who will use specialized developed tools which were specifically designed by Seiko.  While you do not need to necessarily need to use an authorized dealer, there can be repercussions such as voiding your warranty and/or using someone who doesn’t have the necessary experience.

“watch” (CC BY 2.0) by WayTru

The average Seiko watch repair costs

The costs of Seiko watch repair will depend on the technician you choose, the watch you have, the type of repair you need and your geographical location.  The company mentions that if you have an older watch, they will want you to contact the service dealer first as there will be times where the watch cannot be repaired due to a discontinuation of the necessary parts.

From our research, if you were to use an authorized dealer, the costs, again, will greatly vary on the factors mentioned prior, with the repairs necessary greatly dictating the price.  With so many repairs that can be done, we included the most popular averages in our table below.  Take the repairs you would need, add them up and hopefully, that could provide you with a decent estimate.

NOTE:  Most of these prices were sourced from here from an authorized Seiko dealer.  Aside from the prices mentioned, you would also have to include a shipping and handling fee of about $10 to $25.

QualityWatchRepair.com, a professional who works out of his home, notes a few ballpark estimates for Seiko watch repairs on his website, for example.  A cleaning and oiling on most battery power Seiko watches start at $97, whereas an older battery powered Seiko would cost $160 or more.  As for older watches, he mentions he may have the parts, but it isn’t a guarantee.   Repairs for older parts, depending on the series, could be in the $160 to $200 range.

What’s included with a repair?

Some of the repairs, from what we researched, were straightforward, meaning if you wanted a new battery, that is the only repair that would be performed.  However, some repairs may say “minor” or “major” service, meaning you would get more than just one repair.  A minor service, for instance, would include all of the minor parts, regulation, current consumption check and a water pressure test, whereas a major service would cover the movement repair/replacement and required parts such as the battery, seals and resistant pressure test.  For both services, the dial, bezel, case, band, band parts and glass would be yet another expense to consider.

Common repairs performed

Battery Change: As the battery dies, the movement will stop, pretty much making the watch pointless.  While you may think a battery replacement is straightforward, it will require a reseal and pressure test after the battery is swapped.

Bracelet or strap:  Watches vary with its straps or bracelet, and with a replacement, you can choose to either install the same exact one or even try something different which compliments your current watch.  The costs of a replacement strap will all depend on the quality and material of the material.

Crystal repair/replacement:  The crystal, being the hard material with sits between the dial and hands of the watch, can crack or scratch over time.

General movement overhaul:  This service involves disassembling the watch case, including a supersonic cleaning, lubrication and assembly — a process which can take hours.  Being an intricate process, this repair often involves taking apart the movement, being the mechanical inside of the watch and replacing any of the worn parts.  After being replaced, all parts will be washed, oiled and calibrated.  When put back together, everything will be resealed.

What you should know

To find an authorized Seiko watch repair technician in your area, you can so by following this link.

Always refer to your warranty to see if the repair would be covered.  If you purchased the warranty within the past year, there could be a great chance it’s going to be covered, and in order to qualify, an authorized service center will ask for an original purchase receipt and/or an original valid guarantee.

While you can use an unauthorized jeweler, let it be known that your warranty will be voided if still under warranty.  Also, before choosing someone who the company doesn’t recommend, it is best to look at their reviews online, see what kind of parts they use during the repair and always ask about their warranty after the repair has been performed.

The length it takes to repair your watch will all depend on the type of repair and service you use.  A simple battery swap can be done quickly, whereas an older vintage watch, which has hard-to-find parts, may take more than a month to repair.

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Awaken180° Weightloss Cost

The Awaken180° Weightloss, as per the official website, allows YOU to master your destiny.

Based on the highest standards, integrity and reputation, those looking to lose weight can see great results using the system’s three component approach.

With multiple physical locations in Massachusetts, the company also offers a worldwide system as well.

“run” (CC BY 2.0) by brettlohmeyer

How much does the Awaken180° Weightloss cost?

Researching online, it was very hard to find the exact costs of the program, but from glancing at the program details, it appears they will provide you with 80 percent of your meals and one-on-one coaching, so it’s best to be prepared to budget for the ongoing meals as long as you’re active with the program.

From a discussion on Twitter, we did find the costs seemed to be in the $2,500 range, but this is unconfirmed as it came from a third-party source.  For accurate pricing, we do recommend contacting the program directly for more information as the official Twitter account notes the program is very individualized and the prices can vary.  This price seems to fall in line with other competing weight loss centers in the area, such as the local New England Fat Loss Center, so it’s probably not too far off.  If you did receive a quote from the company and/or signed up, we do recommend you share your costs in our section below to help others who need the help!

How does Awaken180° Weightloss work?

According to the website, you will meet with a weight loss consultant weekly to modify/optimize your diet, select meals and discuss ways to stay on track.  Their diet, when implemented, is devoted to keeping your blood sugar balanced and cravings under control.  Even when you do reach your desired weight, the company will support you for life.

Taking your weight loss to another level, Awaken 180 will combine the science behind weight loss, the ease of meal preparation and the positive ways to think to keep your weight off.  The company will provide 80 percent of your meals, weekly one-on-one coaching and a support program for life.  This program effectively focuses on your diet/nutrition and the habits which contributed to your weight gain in the first place.  According to one reviewer on Yelp, the meals are powered whey and soy, not “real” foods, while people on Twitter said it was low-glycemic index carbs only and zero sugars.

Facts you should know

The company does advise clients that they should walk at least 30 minutes a day or be as active as you can if you’re suffering from some sort of joint pain.  As you become more fit, then they will encourage you to take part in cardio exercises, incorporating strength resistance exercises.

Even if you do not live in the Massachusetts area, they offer a worldwide program as well.  With this program, they will send you a scale, regular food shipments and instead of meeting in person, they will ask to talk with you over Skype to offer you the same information you would if you were attending in person. Just like other clients, you will receive side-by-side support for life, for free.

Group rates, according to the FAQ, are available.

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New England Fat Loss Cost

The New England Fat Loss metabolic weight loss centers, located in Massachusetts with six centers will work from the inside-out to remove the underlying interferences with your metabolism, according to its official website,

Doing this will create the right balance, which, in turn, will create a much more important and permanent change, all without dieting or exercising.

As your body can naturally repair itself, unless there is an obstruction with the metabolism, most diet programs, as the program claims, may require a lot of effort to keep the weight off.  However, at the New England Fat Loss center, they will customize specific recommendations on each client’s demands and expectations.

“Vegetable and fruits” (CC BY 2.0) by hypotekyfidler.cz

How much does New England Fat Loss cost?

The costs of the program, while it isn’t mentioned on the official website, does include a free consultation, where you will discuss your medical history, lifestyle choices and your eating habits.  With this information, their experts will then be able to determine the right course of action to take based on their program’s fundamentals.  To take advantage of the free consultation, members are encouraged to fill out the “free consultation” form on the official website.

As for the prices, again, they were not included on the official website, but upon researching reviews online, we were able to make an “estimate” as to how much the program could cost.  Based on the information we found, we concluded the costs to start the program was about $2,500 for about 14 weeks.

On one of their Yelp reviews, a few reviewers talked about what they had paid for the program.  One previous client said she had paid $2,500 for the 30-pound weight loss plan, while another said she was quoted $2,500 for 14 weeks, but this could be split into payment plans if you couldn’t afford the payment up front.  Almost all of the reviewers we found online stated they were all quoted the same amount — about $2,500 for the 14 weeks.

How does New England Fat Loss work?

According to the compnay, they use cutting edge technology in order to create a customized plan which is tailored to help balance your hormones, burn fat and keep weight off fast.

On its website, they list four main points on how the program works:  promoting proper nutrition, educating you on weight loss times, realigning and boosting your metabolism, and lastly, balancing your hormones to reach your goals.

Its dedicated professionals will help assist and support you throughout the entire program on which foods you should be eating, how to lose weight with your personalized plan and tips to keep it off for life.

From one reviewer online, you will take vitamin drops each morning, followed by logging every food you eat in your journal — averaging about 500 calories a day at first.  Every day, the program will “text” you, holding you accountable for your actions.  Members are asked to come in for routine weigh-ins to record and discuss your progress.

Facts you should know

The company claims this isn’t a “diet program” since they use a specially formulated and tailored approach which unlocks your body’s potential in order to burn any fat.  Because of this, members will not be limited with take-out and fast food since the coaches, nutritionists and doctors will customize a guide on which foods you’re going ot be able to eat without preventing with your freedoms to eat the foods you enjoy.

The program will not require any exercise in order to see results; instead, they use a customized approach which will cater to each individual as everyone’s metabolism and body is truly unique.  Using specialized equipment, the experts on site will be able to perform a full body investigation to decide the best plan of action.

Many clients, according to the website, lose 20 to 40 pounds in about five weeks.

New England Fat Loss reviews

Browsing the Internet online, we were able to gather both the good and bad, most of which came from Yelp and compiled our findings below:

NOTE:  These were from reviews we found online and cannot be confirmed as everyone will see different results.  Your results will vary.

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How Much Does Dynamic FatLoss Cost?

Dynamic FatLoss, formerly known as Idaho Fat Loss, is a doctor monitored and unique diet plan which “claims” it’s different from any other diet program you may have tried.

While many diet programs focus entirely on the diet, the Idaho Fat Loss center will focus on your body’s unique chemistry and hormone balance to help turn off the way your body stores its fat and help your body consume the energy found within these cells.

In just 40 days, many of their patients have claimed to lose up to 20 pounds.

“Scale-A-Week: 29 October 2017” (CC BY 2.0) by puuikibeach

What is the average cost of Idaho Fat Loss?

While the official website doesn’t provide the exact numbers you’re going to spend when taking part of its diet program, we did find out that the company will charge anywhere from $25 to $99 for the initial consultation.

From there, if you were to commit to the program, then the costs would greatly depend on the current discount being offered as they have offered discounts via multiple radio ads in the past.  According to their Yelp reviews, it appears the program will cost about $1,700 for about 40 days of service.  This estimate, according to the reviewer, would include a brief introduction to the program about eating, however, they didn’t go into specifics as to “how it’s done.”

These costs, however, could be lowered if you were to take advantage of a special promotion.  For example, at the time of this publishing, their official Facebook page did have some offers allowing you to save up to $500 off if you brought in a friend.

Being limited, it was very hard to find exact costs and information on the diet program as it was geographically restricted.

How it works

During the consultation, findinghannahblog.wordpress.com claims they will perform a body and hand scan, and using the results, the company will determine which foods are recommended for the diet plan as all food lists will be tailored to specific bodies.

With this plan, the first phase is a detox week, allowing your body to get used to the sudden changes you’re experiencing.  During this time, you will take supplements and will be asked to use only oil and sugar-free personal care products.  On day one, according to the blog post mentioned prior, you’re allowed to load up on the good fats recommended, and on the second day and days following, you will start the “very low-calorie diet” with the prescribed amount of vitamins and minerals.

The company, as per its official website, doesn’t believe in the miracle pill or the next fad claiming to lose an insane amount of weight in a limited amount of time.  The Dynamic Fat Loss, a unique and proven program, is unlike any other system on the market as they give you the metabolic secrets to help you burn fat for energy instead of always feeling tired and rundown when the body converts its fat into energy.  It has been tested with thousands of people over 30 years and has been doctor developed, assuring you it can’t be purchased on the Internet nor is it considered to be the next overnight weight loss fad.

The system, working with your natural physiology, is able to restore your hormone balance and optimize your metabolic activity.  With this strategy, clients will see rapid weight loss with nothing but natural ingredients and a simple healthy balance.

They claim there’s no exercise needed, no hunger, no cravings, no drugs, no hormones, no shots or pre-packaged foods required.

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Hobby Lobby Custom Framing Cost

Since 1972, Hobby Lobby started as a home-based framing business, but as the stores progressed into what its known today, more than 700+ stores offer the same services it did years ago, with each location staffing a professional framer for your needs.

“Former Hannafords Mathews, NC” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by MikeKalasnik

How much does custom framing cost at Hobby Lobby?

The costs of framing at Hobby Lobby will greatly depend on the size of the art you’re looking to have framed, the framing style, the mat, the glass and the current promotion/coupon.  From what we researched, the costs were often in the $75 to $350 range based on the factors mentioned.

With so many factors, it is hard to estimate the framing costs based on these factors, however, we were able to find countless people online who shared their cots online, and we included our findings inside our table below:

The framing options

Customers are able to choose from more than 350+ molding options.

All custom mats are archival-quality, acid-free and lignin-free to protect your artwork.

At all locations, the store stocks its most popular mat-board colors.  If you were to choose one of these options, you can then shop and/or wait while your art is being framed.

All glazing options are UV protected using Museum Glass® to protect the artwork from harmful UV rays.

Facts to know

Hobby Lobby almost always has a coupon available on .  For example, at the time of this publishing, the retailer was offering 50% off all custom frames.

Sales associates are able to help you browse frames and mats in store if you’re unsure of which option you want for your picture.

Each location, as per the official website, staffs a certified framer who is able to personalize your framing experience and offer you a free quote for your framing needs.

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Car Frame Straightening Cost

Frame damage, in the collision shop world, is a vague term as it can mean repairing literally any part of the car that is not considered the exterior sheet metal.

In some cases, this damage can be quite serious, while other jobs can be minimal, costing you a lot less than you think as the frame will only require a few hammer swings.

As frame damage is quite common, it occurs in more than 50 percent of the accidents nationwide.

The reported frame straightening costs online

The costs of straightening a vehicle’s frame will greatly depend on the car you’re driving, how bad the frame is bent, the complexity, your geographical location and the mechanic/dealership you choose to perform the repair.  With hundreds of people sharing the costs online, we were able to determine the average costs greatly ranged anywhere from as little as $150 to more than $5,000+.  

As most cars today are considered “unibody,” meaning the frame is all one piece, and do not have “frames,” if there were damage, then it is possible to straighten with special equipment, but if the damage is too extreme, do not be surprised if some professionals refuse to work on it.

To budget, the average collision shop will charge anywhere from $50 to $85 per hour, with the average frame straightening job taking eight to 13+ hours to complete, meaning most jobs will cost anywhere from $450 to $1,200+.  As all jobs are so unique, it can be very hard to give an exact estimate.

Talking to a body shop, one professional noted the costs will depend on how many parts he has to remove.  If you bought the car in 100% assembled, but he had to start removing parts, for example, then he will charge $50 an hour to do.  After, he will spend about 90 minutes clamping and chaining the car, which would cost another $150, followed by a computerized test that could cost yet another $75.  In the end, he said it was hard to offer a great estimate, but the costs will add up fast, with most jobs easily taking longer than two days to complete; however, if he saw any gaps, he would often reject the job as the unibody is often too hard to save and will be considered a total loss.

One member on this Ford-Trucks.com forum thread was interested in purchasing a 1968 F100 that had bent frame near the steering, and the professional he talked to noted it would cost about $500 to repair it.  According to the response, they noted the job, based on the pictures provided, would take about seven hours to complete and the quote seemed to be fair.

A member on this Reddit/r/cars thread noted he was rear-ended while going about 30 miles per hour, which caused unibody frame damage.  The total repair bill from his local collision shop, when everything was said and done, was north of $12,000; however, this quote, while unconfirmed, would have included more repairs than just the frame straightening.

How the repair process works

For any type of frame repair, the vehicle is driven onto a platform and bolted to rigid clamps to hold it in place so it is no longer able to move back and forth.  This platform can hold virtually any vehicle and will consist of two to three upright posts which can be rotated 360 degrees and moved along the perimeter in order to access all of the vehicle’s frames, according to Gerber Collision.  Most up-to-date systems used today will use either a sonic sender or line-of-sight laser to assess the frame and assess how much damage has occurred.  With this information, a professional will be able to determine just how long the entire process will take.

Next, after the vehicle is clamped down, the chains are strategically placed on the car’s frame, all based on the body shop’s diagnostic computers, which determine where the straightening is required to bring it back to OEM standards.

Once these chains are connected, the hydraulic equipment increases the tension of the chain to pull each section of the frame back into place.

To confirm, the electronic system will verify the adjustments to ensure the new frame is according to the manufacturer’s standards.

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Cost to Replace Head Gasket

The head gasket, either a single or multiple layer simple piece of durable material, is designed to seal the bottom half of the engine to the head — sealing the oil, coolant and compression into the different compartments and preventing it from escaping the engine.

While this part is quite cheap, it can be devasting to an engine if it were to fail.

“Skoda Fabia Cylinder Head Gasket – Inlet” (CC BY 2.0) by L.C.Nøttaasen

How much does it cost to replace a head gasket?

The costs of a blown head gasket will all depend on the car you’re driving and the mechanic/dealership you’re working with.  While the actual part isn’t that expensive ($100~), it’s the labor process as it can be quite intensive to replace this part.  Usually, when this part needs to be replaced, the top half of the engine needs to be disassembled and other related parts, which can cause issues in the future, will need to be replaced as well, such as the timing belt, water pump and/or timing chain, to name a few.   This alone can take even the most experienced mechanic up to 12 hours to complete.

From the looks of it from multiple sources online, the costs to have a professional mechanic repair the blown head gasket alone will range anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000, with engines with two heads, such as a V6 or V8, costing more.  Adding in other components which need to be repaired can increase the price by more than 10 to 30 percent, all depending on the components which need to be replaced.  This price, unfortunately, makes it one of the costliest car repairs on the market.

We took a look at multiple forums and websites online and included the costs other car owners paid for their blown head gasket repairs in our table below:

This helpful infographic on BarsLeaks.com, for instance, claims the average costs to repair a blown head gasket is anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000.

Blown head gasket signs

In most cases, when the head gasket starts to fail, it almost always shows some sort of sign, but in some rare cases, there may be no signs at all.  The symptoms, as per RepairPal.com, will begin when the leak has reached an engine oil passage, engine cylinder or the engine coolant passage.  Once the leak reaches one of these areas, it will respond in a few ways.

For some, the motor may be challenging to start and/or run rough while it’s idle.

In some cases, there may be an indication of engine oil or coolant leaking from beneath the car.  Because of these leaks, the engine may start to run warm or start to overheat.

In the case of a coolant leak, the coolant, when examined inside of an oil pan, will appear creamier and richer in color as compared to the coolant before it’s added to the vehicle.

Look out for signs of either a gurgling-like sound coming from the coolant reservoir and/or the smell of combustion oil.

The “check engine” light, if it were to illuminate, can often be tied to the head gasket as well as this can be referenced to either an engine misfire, air/fuel mixture, engine cooling and/or catalyst inefficiency.  Common OBD codes related to a blown head gasket are either P00B7 or P0217.

If you’re finding that the radiator needs to be consistently filled with water, this could often be a telltale sign.

Plumes of smoke coming from the exhaust may be a sign of bad things to come.

Lastly, if the head gasket were to fail 100%, the engine will overheat almost immediately, leading to either a stall or a fail to start due to the coolant being burned inside the engine.

The repair process

First, the mechanic will first drain all of the engine fluids and depending on the exact reason and vehicle setup, the air conditioner and power steering fluid may be drained as well.

Next, depending on the setup, the bumper may be removed, along with the radiator, a/c condenser, the associated fans and all of the hardware attached to it, followed by the timing cover, timing components, exhaust manifold. intake manifold and anything that’s preventing the head of the cylinder from being removed.

Finally, when the cylinder head is accessible, it will be lifted by its bolts and hoisted off to clean, mill and test.

Once the cylinder head is removed, the block-to-head gasket mating exterior will then be washed, and the head gasket, at this time, will be examined to classify any failure points.  Once all of the components are washed and examined, the new head gasket will then be installed, followed by the cylinder head fastened on the top.

All of the components removed initially will be installed in reverse order, and at this time, if any of these components need to be replaced, your mechanic will recommend it at this time.

When all of the components are re-installed, then each system will be filled, bled of air and tested to assure the problem resolved itself.

The entire process, all depending on the car, can take two to three hours to perform.

Facts to know

If you suspect a failing head gasket, it’s important you stop driving immediately as this is a hazard to the engine.  In the early stages, the engine is already at a risk, but if the head gasket is blown, then it will be next to impossible to drive.  With any signs of overheating, it’s important to stop driving immediately and have it hauled to a local mechanic/dealership.  Failing to do so will increase your repairs by hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

While head gaskets can fail at any time, most mechanics say you should be prepared to see the part last at least 100,000 oils; however, if the engine oil isn’t maintained as it should be, it could fail much quicker.  In order to keep this gasket clean and in great condition, it’s important any dirty or contaminated fluid is replaced on schedule.

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