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Hi THERE. A 25 YEAR OLD BBW LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVING THE SURGERY AND BECOMING A MORE HEALTHIER INDIVIDUAL. Comments About Dr. Michael A. Snyder: DR. SNYDER IS A VERY KNOWLEDGABL YET EMPATHETIC DOC. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIS EXPERTISE. I THINK THAT HIS STATS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES. HE IS NOW ABOVE ALL NATIONAL AVERAGES AS FAR AS THE SUCCESS RATE OF HIS PATIENTS. HE IS A HANDS ON DOC. VERY INVOLVED WITH ALL ASPECTS OF THE SURGERY PRE AND POST OP. HE CONDUCTS SUPPORT GROUPS AND IS AN EDUCATOR. HIS OFFICE IS FRIENDLY AND THEY TOO SHARE THE KNOWLEDGE.

I first heard of Dr. Snyder through my primary care physician. Most of what I heard were GREAT things, and my doctor wrote a referral to go see him. I found out from his office you needed to attend one of his seminars before making an appointment with him. I think it's excellent that Dr. Snyder has this as opportunity for people who are interested in the surgery. My first impression of Dr. Snyder was, "WOW...... a doctor who really does care about the obesity and what I've been going through." The seminar was a little over 2hrs long, but so well worth it. Take someone with you to this seminar, I highly recommend it. Dr. Snyder is a very thorough, caring, energetic person, who really cares about helping obese patients start a new life.

I met Dr. Snyder on Oct. 23rd and found him to be very easy to talk to and knowledgeable. I was at ease and felt very comfortable with him as my choice to do this surgery. Pending no issues from my insurance co. (Cigna PPO) he said he would schedule my surgery before the end of the year...so keep your fingers crossed for me!

My Doctor; Dr Michael Snyder I liked him immediately. I kept liking hime more as time went on. He has a very reassuring quality to him. You just know you will be taken care of. He is very compassionate. His staff is very well informed, and friendly. He is a great doctor. He did the surgery lapriscopically on me. He emphasizes aftercare strongly. There is a support group of his patients that meet regurarly. And he encourages it. He has a very structured after care program. He addressed the concerns of risks of the surgery appropriatly. I would give him very high reviews, he is just wonderful. I think the best in colorado.

My surgery was 5/3/02 and I'm sooo glad I did it. I even had a complication that required a 2nd surgery about 30 hours post op. I was back at work 10 days post-op. I probably should have taken another week off because I was pretty pooped the first week back. My 2 bummers are: hair loss beginning at the 90-day mark and expecting it to continue until 90 days post goal with perfect blood test results. I use all Nioxin products but haven't seen an improvement. Any other remedies? Also, I had lost 48 pounds at the 90-day mark and am still there nearly 2 months later. Goal will be losing 104 pounds. I think I have lost inches (I should have measured myself at the beginning so I could celebrate less inches when there weren't less pounds) but am not sure. I need to step up my exercise and drink more water. Does anyone have ideas to get off the plateau besides more exercise and water? Comments About Dr. Michael A. Snyder: He is a dynamic, energetic, positive person who will not do surgery on those who think surgery will "fix" their problem; he will help those who look upon surgery as a tool to help you get where you belong. He has no compunction about telling patients they need to wait or that they aren't a good candidate. He insists you attend a 2-hour informational session before you have your initial appointment. I totally agree with that. He just doesn't have those sessions often enough. Right now, I think he only has them once every 60 days. Dr Snyder's staff is usually good. I had some trouble getting one staff member to move forward on my insurance paperwork because I had a time crunch where my insurance was going to end and I'd have to begin all over with another insurance company if we waited too long. Dr Snyder is great about aftercare. He has set up support group meetings twice a month. He invites pre surgery folks to attend these meetings if they desire. He gives out instructions at each visit that are aimed at your post-op number of days and continues until the next scheduled appointment. They are informational and instructional. He and his staff are great cheerleaders to their patients. In my opinion, that is huge at all stages. He addressed risks. He didn't sugar-coat but also didn't scare you to death. Dr Snyder is a great surgeon. He was wonderful while I was in the hospital. Once I did regular office visits, I felt like he didn't have enough time to spend with me. I always felt rushed. Because of that, I forgot to ask some questions and had to call in later to get my answers. Dr Snyder is very competent and his bedside manner was wonderful. I think he is the only Rouen Y surgeon in the north Denver area. I would, and do, reccommend him to everybody who is going to do this.

I am a post-op patient of WLS. My surgery was April 19, 2001. I have lost 91 pounds so far. I know that I have been at a stand still for quite some time with just maintaining. I am trying to get my head back into a better place so that I can get back on track. I need to start thinking of myself again and why I had the surgery in the first place. I am looking for support groups as I do not feel that I get support at home when I need it. I have a wonderful surgeon, Dr. Michael Snyder, that I need to take up on his support. Truthfully, I feel embarrassed because I am not at the level that his other patients are at. Dr. Snyder has never ever made me feel this way - it's my own description. Dr. Snyder is a wonderful man. I just know that he is a very busy man and hate to impose upon him for his support. I have made the decision to swallow my pride and get in touch with him before it's too late. I'll let you know the update. Comments About Dr. Michael A. Snyder: There is only one word to describe Dr. Snyder - WOW! The man is great. My first impression was that he was a fast talker and did not have time for anyone once things were completed. Boy was I wrong! I figured that with all of his patients that I would be lost in the shuffle like with my general practioner - no way. Dr. Snyder remembers things that my husband doesn't. He has a big heart. His office staff is excellent. Brenda is extremely nice and helps you with anything that you need. I'll tell you this - the people in Dr. Snyder's office as well as Dr. Snyder do not sugar coat things. They will tell you how it is.

I really like the surgeon that I have chosen. He was very nice and quick to respond with any and all questions that me or my family had. I know that he will be there after the surgery is over. And that is very comforting. This is a life long commitment and he wants to be there for his patients. I highly recommend Dr. Snyder to anyone interested in having this surgery. His office staff seemed very knowledgeable and Praise the Lord for Brenda who there just arent enough of her to go around in that office but she is still very prompt about returning calls as well. Dr Snyder talks about aftercare very much and he wants you to know of others that he has preformed this surgery on and emphasizes on the Support Groups and calling, emailing if you need him. He let me know of all the risks upfront and has a Seminar that he requiers you to attend before meeting with him at his office. VERY INFORMATIVE I would like to have both competence and bedside manner great. I know that has both...

I had the surgery in August. I lost a lot of weight but in October, I stopped losing and in February started gaining. Comments About Dr. Michael A. Snyder: My first impression of him was a good one. He gives you his email address and he answers very fast. His office staff was very helpful. However, after the surgery, I wasn't excited. I felt he was more interested in admiring his nice scar on my stomach than in what I was worried about. Something happened in the hospital and I tried to bring it up but he brushed it off. It did take a lot longer to recover than they had told me and I had to resign my job which left me with no insurance to have any follow up work done. All of the problems were not from the doctor. My logistics were the biggest problems. Basically, I was in a lot of pain and I had to get some pain medication strong enough to get me through a day so that I could apply for a job to get back on insurance to try to get something else done. That is where I am at the present time. I have not lost the weight that I needed to and have developed other problems. I would recommend this doctor still. However, I would only recommend him to people who live in the area so they can easily access him and the support group.

My Basic Info: I'm a 44-yo female, married w/no kids. 5'10" tall with a BMI of about 46. Fought with weight my whole life. 2-14-01 I think I'm a perfect candidate for this surgery, but I have lots of questions/concerns. Currently with an HMO who I know does not support this type of procedure. I have an opportunity to switch ins. coverage but only once a year. Next opportunity will be Jan/2002. 2-22-01 I jumped a major hurdle & finally talked to my hubby about this. He was so supportive & it blessed me greatly. I was so afraid he would be against this. 3-22-01 I attended a lecture on WLS by Dr. Snyder at St. Anthony's North (here in Denver). My DH came along & feels much more at ease with the surgery after the Dr's presentation. 4-2-01 My weekend was pretty strange. I went with 3 girlfriends up to Glenwood Springs for a "rubber stamping retreat" on the bus. We had to go everywhere on foot. Needless to say, I was always bringing up the rear & everyone had to slow down to accommodate me. My back was shot immediately & I'm sure I made everyone else's time there miserable. I know I certainly was. This just brought the point home to me about how badly my weight has affected my 'quality of life' and how paralyzed I am from doing fun things with my friends that I'd really otherwise enjoy. It just helped my resolve about wanting to pursue WLS. 12-4-01 Today I called Dr. Snyder's office to schedule my first consult. March 12 of 2002. My new ins. will be in place by then. The journey begins.... 5-15-02 I've seen Dr. Michael Snyder (Denver) in March & have had all my required testing. Waiting on pins & needles to see if my insurance co. will approve me. I don't really have any other "co-morbidities" so that worries me. 6-13-02 Got the call today from my insurance company. I'm approved! Wow, it didn't take long (about a month since the request was sent in). It's time to get serious. My surgeon wants me to "get conditioned" for surgery as best I can by exercising, etc. I also need to take Kelly Elliott's WLS Nutrition Classes, 4 classes over 8 weeks' time. Approval was the big hurdle for me. I feel like celebrating, but I've got to start celebrating with something other than food! Hmmmm....! 6-14-02 LuAnn with Dr. Snyder called me today with a surgery date! AUGUST 20! Wow, I never expected such a quick date. I am elated (& a little scared, too). Now I need to make sure all my friends are up to speed. Didn't want to share until I knew for certain if and when. Now I know both. 7-11-02 Attended my first Nurtrition Class with Kelly Elliott tonite. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I am SO glad I'm taking these classes. I have already learned so much. I'm feeling more & more knowledgeable. Not just learning what's but a lot of why's. I HIGHLY recommend these classes. 10-3-02 I'm now 6 WEEKS post-op! Feeling pretty good. I've lost about 40# so far & finding it so much easier to walk and exercise & get around. I'm now on solid foods & just learning to eat all over again. Really haven't been hungry yet. Joined Curves for Women for exercise & started this week. I love the 30-min. workout (weight circuit plus aerobic). 11-20-02 Today I had my 3-month post-op visit with my surgeon. He said all of my blood levels look fantastic! What a blessing. He said my triglycerides were 162 pre-op & now they are at 71. Hallelujah! So far I�m down 55# and am feeling so much better already. I am still about 100# overweight, so I know there will be even better feeling days ahead. I am now exercising at Curves about 4x per week for the last couple of months. Exercise really makes me feel better, too! 2-3-03 I am now officially below the 250 mark -- at 244! Wahoo! MY BACK PAIN IS VIRTUALLY GONE! What a miracle. I see Doc Snyder in a couple of weeks & am looking forward to it. I am feeling better & better, even though I'm still about 80# overweight....what a difference this first 80 has made! 12-10-03 Today I weigh about 210 with a BMI of 30.1. That's very close to being OUT of the "obese" category altogether! It will be nice to move into the simply "overweight" class, ha ha! My current goal is to get below 200. I'm feeling great! Michael A. Snyder MD (Denver, CO) After meeting with Dr. Snyder personally, all I can say is he is THE MAN. When you enter his office, you KNOW what a caring doctor he is; all the seats in his waiting room are extra wide! He even gives a written exam to his patients before they have surgery to test their basic knowledge (based on his lecture & his written manual). This may sound like overkill to some, but it gives me a great deal of security knowing this man CARES about how informed I am & wants to help me KNOW everthing I can about this. I came to my final consult with 2 pages of questions, all of which he answered to my satisfaction. He not only seems incredibly knowledgeable & confident as a surgeon, but is personally just a delight to talk with. His aftercare program has a reputation as one of the best in town. I have already been attending a support group of his patients & what a help that has been. I could not be happier with Dr. Snyder! Insurer Info: N.R.E.C.A. My employer told me they would approve this surgery IF I was morbidly obese & had been so for x number of years (I think 2). I sent in my first request & they sent a letter back quickly asking for "further detailed information" which my surgeon's office faxed to them. They have a medical review board (made up of physicians) who would be determining my fate. There was a little confusion between my surgeon's office & the insurance co. as to WHERE to fax the info, but when they got it, I received a personal call I'd been approved. This whole process only took about 4 weeks. I was very pleasantly surprised!

Personal Comments 8/5/01- Okay I have had it:) All done, so now when will my life get back to normal? I had the op on 8/4. The painful part was when they removed the tube....boy did that hurt. My poor hubby just started praying because I let out a scream. God really blessed , no problems at all. Take care!!!!! 8/15/01- Hi, I went for my two week visit with Dr. Snyder and I have lost 29 lbs!!!! Dr. Snyder was so happy for me. So I will be going back in two more weeks, he will email me my third week instructions though. Take care. 12/29/01- I know, I know, it has been some time now since my last update. I talked to one of my dearest pals this evening, and man do I miss her. We have both battled being overweight for a very long time. (Hi, Tue hurry back to US soon, we really do miss ya) 12/31/01- Happy New Year to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well the Eve of:) Can not wait until church tonight....will have soooo much fun. We have so much to thank the Lord for. There are many who are not here to bring in the New Year. Let us think of them during this time, and pray for their families. Well a total of 79lbs gone, gone , gone. You know what? I do not miss them at all...lol Bless all of you this New Year. Be safe, and use this time for reflection. We are approaching a brand new year, we can not change 2001, but we can make changes for 2002. Reach, Dream, Strive........but most of all....Pray. 2/20/2002- I am now down to 160's!!!!!! Size 12!!!!!!! I thank the Lord for this, and I also thank him for Dr. Snyder (Thornton, CO) Please, if you live in this area, even Colorado Springs, try him. They are a wonderful staff. Well, I am off! Since the big day (wls), I have had so many blessings come my way. I will be in California all next week at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel ( cool huh ) I will be in California auditioning for a few breaks, BIG ones. Pray, pray , pray for me:) The weight is just pouring off of me and I now understand that I have been losing more than just pounds, I have been losing inner weight that has held me down for far too long. I do understand that wls is not for everyone, I was not sure if it was for me. However through prayer and the love of my husband, I am on the other side, and feeling better than I have in years. May the Lord guide those of you considering wls, and bless you. Pics will be up soon:) 6/7/02- Hello everyone, it has been a while. I just returned home from prayer and was checking up on the site. I am down to a size 8 now. How cool!!!! What a blessing indeed. I am reaching for 4 to 5 in size. Keep me lifted in prayer to reach this goal. It seems as if the weight has come off so quickly. I had stopped and maintained a size 10 for what seemed like a long time, however when I think of all that I have lost since August 4,2001 I stand amazed. May the dear Lord keep and guide all of you. 6/25/02- Hello family! Things are great as ever. Yesterday I was doing a shoot on a set with Sinbad and it was cool, we talked a bit, he is a really swell guy. My acting career has taken off!!!!! Since Feb.2002 I have worked with Jack Nicolson, Adam Sandler, Marisa Tome (I think that's how you spell it), Six Feet Under, Resurrection Blvd., Mind Of A Married Man, Steven Speilburg, and Leo De Caprio. Been on the red carpet at a major opening and hung out with Carmen Electra and Kurtian Dunst as well as the cast from the latest National Lampoon film. Nothing is too hard for God, He will give you favor, bless your going in and coming out. All we have to do is simply trust Him. God's Word said that we should not lean on our own understanding but to trust in Him with All of our hearts and He shall direct our paths. He will renew a right spirit within us. We can accomplish the impossible, the unthinkable. We can reach the unattainable, climb high mountains and cross deep rivers. You know, we only get one of these things called life, so why waste it on empty promises and broken dreams. Strive to be all that you can be, because truly the only thing keeping you from being and doing what you dream is simply the very lack of belief in a Dream. All in all, this has been one great year!!!! Each day is a fresh start. An opportunity to change your life. The power starts within your mind and it begins to create possibilities within your life. Confess the things that you want to happen in your life, write letters to God, speak God's Word over your situations. Then just sit back and watch God do His work, really that is when He is at His best. I've lost more inches and I can just about fit into a size 7 & 8. I am reaching for the 3's though. It's coming, I will be there soon enough. Remember the name of LaPamela Avant, because indeed it will be known all over the world, right up in lights:) Dream, Reach and Receive! We can do All things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us! All things are possible to them that believe!!!!!!! Mark 9:23 God Bless 7/18/02 Things have been absolutely fantastic! I find that I am daily inspired by God to do simply what the world has for so long claimed could not be done. Psalms 84:5-7 States that "Happy are those who are strong in the Lord, who want above all else to follow His steps. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping ( LA) it will become a place of springs where pools of blessings and refreshment collect after rains! They will grow CONSTANTLY in strength and each of them is invited to meet with the Lord in Zion." Where is Zion? Zion is the very high place, the peak. The quiet innermost moments with God. That's my Zion:) It is simply the one on one time with my Dad. When things are quiet, all of the world seems blocked out, sort of like pressing mute. He sits there and simply listens me. He talks to me, guides and direct me. For the steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord. The world dose not listen much anymore. However, when I need a listening ear, sound advice, a hug, a smile, a lifter of my head, I simply go up to Zion and spend time with my Lord, my Daddy. I am definitely in 8's now, some 7's. I started lifting again and running every day. More weight and inches have been pouring off. My 1 year anniversary will be August 4th!!!!! I was on the new show " For the People" on Monday!!!! It was great. It will be on Lifetime. I also taped the commercial promos for Cedric the Entertainer's new show that will be on Fox this Fall. I have been booked as a waitress on "The Guardian" CBS show, and as a divorce Lawyer in the upcoming film " Intolerable Cruelty" with George Clooney, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Billy Bob Thornton. I am just about finished with my book, actually it is a book that both my husband ( James Bond) and I have been working on. It's a book of prayer. It has truly been a blessing for the both of us, we pray that it will bless many lives across this nation and beyond. Let me share a little about this man I call, husband. When I was a little girl, living in Conway SC I would sit on my bed look out of my window and create my very own fairytale. You know the kind. It was filled with so many wonderful things, make believe places, and beauty everywhere. A kind and handsome knight would come along and sweep me off of my feet....then music would play as the words " And they lived happily ever after" would come up. ( Even then I was Hollywood bound:) Well, fantasy or not, my knight came sweeping into my life in the year 1998 and it truly has been happily ever after:) The man that the Lord has given to me as my husband, is not only the exact answer to my prayers, but much, much more. He is gentle, kind, honest, GOD fearing, a good father, my very best friend, hard working, diligent, giving. I could go on, and on. I honor my dear husband, James T. Bond. I hold him in high regard. I respect him and admire his spirit. Honey if you read this, I love you, and each day my love for you grows stronger and stronger. You are my angel, my God-sent. I thank the Lord that He has made such a wonderful fit for me and entrusted me to be a good wife to His dear son. I love you, I love you. I look forward to all that God has for us, so come on, let's take this world by Storm...TOGETHER!!!!!!! 7/26/02 Hi everyone:) I pray that all is well in your lives. Thank you Kyla for sending such a kind and thoughtful email:) You are very sweet. More good news, the flood gates of Heaven have been pouring out blessings that we have not room enough to store. Let's see, I worked on "Alias" Wednesday, Thursday I worked "Crossing Jordan", today I worked on "ER" and I am booked to do a "Doritos" commercial on the 30th and 31st. I just found out that I am also booked on a "Saturn" commercial this weekend:) God is soooo grand! I thank Him for divine favor from on-high. I thank Him for the gifts that He has placed within my home (my beloved & beautiful Husband and my dear, praying children). I am blessed to have such an awesome support team. Each and every day I have to take time to thank the Lord for all of His loving kindness. He has been better to me than I have been to myself. I have stood before Him undeserving, cold, bitter, filled with sin. Yet in His grace and mercy He looked beyond All of my faults and saw my Need. I needed, I need, and will Need Jesus for ever. He walks with me, He talks with me, He tells me that I am His own. I need not fear what the enemy may attempt, for I look to the hills from which cometh my help, my help comes from the Lord. I lean not to my own understanding but trust in Him with all of my heart and He directs my path. God is my mentor, I look to Him for guidance. He calls my name ever so gently, in a still quiet voice, ever so softly directing me in the direction that I should go. As I walked onto the set of "ER" today, praise began to swell up within me. Joy unspeakable joy, began to flow throughout my very being. It wasn't Noah Riley, or any of the other stars, because you see, this joy I have, the world didn't give it to me, this joy that I have the world didn't give it and since they didn't give it to me, they sure can't take it away:) Now I understand how David danced in praise right out of his clothes, and why Jeremiah said it's like fire, shut up in his bones. The joy that the Lord gives is more beautiful than anything our feeble minds could ever imagine or understand. It is so grand and powerful that it has the power to part waters, move mountains, shut Lions' mouths, make a man walk on water, heal the sick, set the captives free, make enemies at peace with you, calm storms, free- debts, build homes, re-build lives, renew minds, grant success, heal failure, remove doubt, open shut doors, make highways out of trails and oceans out of ponds, open closed eyes and hearts, replace hate with forgiveness and envy with contentment, the lifter of our heads, the pep in our step, the actual Walk in our Talk, the builder of our faith, the friend that never betrays confidence, and on and on. You name it, God can fix it, mend it, reveal it and heal it simply because Jesus has already redeemed it. Halleluiah!! I like adding the word, Halleluiah, to posts. It forces the reader to read it and the the very word itself is giving God the highest praise. So now you've praised God twice:) One of my dearest friends, Tuesday Gaylord, has a wonderful book of poems that is available through the iuniverse.com site and other bookstores. This book will bless your spirit. Please check out, "Medicine for the Soul" :) I am so very proud of her and proud of what she is allowing God to do in her life. Keep an eye out for this young lady, I see great novels coming her way. http://www.iuniverse.com/bookstore/book_detail.asp?isbn=0%2D595%2D23324%2D4 More inches pouring off, my sweetie and I, went to dinner after I was done on the set of "ER", and he was amazed by just how much thinner I am since last weekend. I give all the glory to the one that truly deserves it, GOD! I am continuing to strive towards my goal. I have 30 lbs to go, and I will maintain 110-115. I will be there soon!!! Meantime pray our family's strength in the Lord as we continue to lift all of you:) 8/8/02 I have a date for my Tummy Tuck! Things have been extremely busy for me the last few weeks; therefore, I had to really consider if now was that right time to schedule it. Well, I am going to have in on September 5th. I currently have 25 more pounds to lose before reaching my goal of 110, after the tummy tuck it will be a little less. I look at the pics that I have posted here and my face is so much larger than it is now. I will have new pics by December, after my swelling has gone down somewhat. You have to hear this girls, I've been approached on the set of the "Gilmore GirNah! Nah! LOL I'll just stick the balls that I am juggling now (Acting, writing, directing, producing, wife, mother) LOL I have been a busy little bee. In fact, I have scheduled a conference with God later today regarding how He literally answers prayers. Careful what you ask for, you just might get it:) In the past few weeks I have been told that I was 20 years old (not that I looked it, but that I was it) so many times that I have almost forgotten exactly how old I really am...LOL Hope you have too:) The word of the Lord does promise us that He will return to us the years that the Locust has stolen. Even all of the (Over Weight Years) I am getting the attention of some of the top Television Directors on prime time. I am also getting the undesired attention of frisky men! There is a price for being thin ladies...lol Okay I was booked for a Saturn Commercial in which I had to cancel. Then I had to pull out of being an attorney with George Clooney for the film, "Intolerable Cruelty". I did the 13 hours long Doritos commercial, which ended up starring Enrique Iglesias in a concert hall. I worked the "Gilmore Girls" on this past Tuesday and "Judging Amy" yesterday for 13 1/2 hours. So now, I am off until Monday, to rest up for next week:) Please continue to pray for me, as I will do the same for you and yours. As a matter of fact we meet with our Pastor every Friday morning at 5 am for prayer, if any of you have prayer request, please feel free to email them to me so that we can stand in prayer with you:) For the prayers of a righteous man is powerful and effective according to James 5:16 I can only pray that this journal have touched hearts and lifted heads, inspired some and encouraged many. If by chance my words have helped you and any way, please let me know by sending emails. For there have been so many nights when I would come home from the set , tired in my body. Suddenly, I would feel led to check my emails just before turning in, and sure enough, my box would be bursting with praise reports, testimonies, those seeking advice, needing prayer, and those who simply wanted to encourage me. I sit and read every single one of them as often tears appear from a deeply touched heart. For if I can go and meet my savior face to face and know that I have helped at least one person, then I feel my life was worth living and not in vain. Thank you my friends, you all know who you are! Thank you for your kind words and thoughtfulness. Keep your eyes open for our book, " Prayer Without Ceasing", by James & LaPamela Bond. It should hit the shelves no later than the end of November. God's spirit is so compelling. It is indeed a riveting book, it grabs a hold of you right where you are and literally takes you to new heights. It has changed me, it has changed James, and truly, it has changed my family. For years I have walked with God, yet it was through the writing of this book that I discovered what power lies in the deepness of His glory. I liken the experience to having a good neighbor that has lived next to you for as long as you can remember. You know your neighbor's name, likes, dislikes, and possibly their schedule. You speak to one another just about every day. You exchange smiles and share a mutual appreciation for one another. This neighbor is always doing for you and giving to you, so full of love. However, one day this neighbor ask to move in with you. You know how good your neighbor has been to you through the years. Therefore, you are happy to share the space. WOW! The neighbor that you have grown fond of through the years, you now learn to deeply love as each day passes on. You can no longer hide your faults from your neighbor behind closed doors and dropped shades. They see you and love you still. There's so much more to appreciate in your life long friend:) Your neighbor. 9/03/02 Hello everyone, how have you all been? Blessed and on top I'm sure:) I am just returning from back East and boy did I have a blast!!! I was so happy to see everyone, especially my grandmother who raised me. Leona Avant is one dear woman. I have such a wonderful support system through my family. Everyone was so shocked to see me, some did not recognize who I was...LOL That's okay, I wont hold it against them...LOL I traveled alone and James stayed behind with the babies. I missed them so, having four children is like having constant entertainment. I can truly see how Bill Cosby became so famous just simply talking about his family. I was thrilled to see my sweetie pie at LAX. When we are separated by such distance I often feel as if I am missing a vital part of myself. I pray that everyone finds their soul mate, and if you have found that someone you understand the depth of such a love. Tomorrow I will on the set of "Crossing Jordan", they called me back!!!!! I have a wonderful agent and manager. Not to mention the favor of God that we ALL have access to. Pray for me family as I do for you:) Well I am thinner. I lost just a bit more. Not weighing for a while though, therefore I can not tell you the exact loss. I have been lifting, building muscles. Therefore, James advised that I wait a bit to weigh myself due to muscle gain. I am aiming for a more defined and cut look. 110 is my goal , however with body building that may be somewhat difficult. Prayer and motivation is the key, therefore I thank all of you for yours. Keep an eye out for Antonio Avant, we were pretty much raised together, he should be releasing his CD soon. This gentleman has been anointed by God with a powerful voice. The spirit of the Lord is surely upon him. Ever since we were children he would write songs to perform and I would write monologues. The two of us would win everyone one of the talent shows that we entered, top of our categories. We would often dream of the days that we are living right now. One of our main goals is to simply be a blessing and touch many lives. With every aspect of my life, I want to glorify God. I want to walk right up to the very gates of Hell and shack it's foundation. Snatching souls from the fire, fearless and filled with Holy boldness. Oh yes, I long to hear my savior say well done. Then and only then, will the tormented events of my life really make since. It will be all worth it:) Michael A. Snyder MD (Denver, CO) Very great!!!!!!!!!!!! What more can I say. He was kind as well as honest and understanding. I was well informed. Therefore I did not leave the hospital with any questions or fears. I would recommend him to anyone in the surrounding Denver area. I drove from Colorado Springs, and it was worth it!!!! As a matter of fact, I have moved to the LA area and I would recommend him to people that are here. It takes courage to regain control over your life. Emotionally it can be quite tolling. Therefore it is very important that you have people who are knowledgeable as well as kind. I found this in Dr. Snyder and those who work for him. You know it doesn't take great bedside manner to be a doctor. However it does require great bedside manner to be a "GREAT" doctor! May the Lord continue to bless Dr. Snyder and his staff. Insurer Info: Cigna Not a problem dealing with Cigna. They where great. For my Tummy Tuck I am using UHC POS, so far so good:)