Claiming surgery costs on taxes?

I received the sleeve on July 21st, 2011.  I qualified for the surgery(bmi of 40, high blood pressure, severe sleep apnea) but my employee exclusively excluded any form of weight loss surgery from our policy.  I paid out of pocket for the entire procedure.

I never thought twice about it until yesterday when I was speaking with my personal trainer and she said I should claim all my medical expenses on my taxes including vitamins, gym memebership and her fees.  

I will be honest with you, I am a short form kind of lady.  I never claim anything.  Even money I give to charity because I feel as though I chose to donate and should not get a kick back for it.  However, now I am looking at the nearly 25,000$ of out of pocket expenses I had last year and wondering if I should do it.

Has anyone else done this?  I was going to contact a tax expert tomorrow but was hoping someone here was familiar with it.  I am just concerned because this surgery is elective to some.  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks!

You should absolutely claim the expense.  To make sure you do so correctly, go to a tax preparer, the benefit would be word their fee.  They can also advise you about expenses related to supplements, gym membership (I question this as a "medical" expense...), etc.

Abolutely claim every dime that you spend on your health on your taxes. My husband and I got back about $6,000 last year because of his surgery, and he was self pay as well.

You can claim medical costs (including WLS, the cost of travel for it, etc)  in excess of 7.5% of your AGI if  you itemize.

If your itemized deduction is less than the standard then go for it!

 This may help you understand what you can and cannot deduct. 

http://www.irs.gov/publications/p502/ar02.html#en_US_publink1000178851 

I'd check with a tax expert or the IRS about the gym membership but absolutely the directly medical related expenses are deductible. If you traveled to have the surgery, your travel costs are also deductible. However I'm skeptical about the gym and trainer.

Thanks for all the responses!  I spoke to an accountant today that prior worked for the IRS.  She said I can claim all expenses, including the gym and personal trainer membership.  Basically, she said if any of my doctor release paperwork states working out then I can claim it.  And of course everything states exercise.  

Thanks againe everyone fo the insight!