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V-Man
12-25-2009, 02:57 PM
Hello I thought after all this time of reading rxmuscle that I would take part in it. I got a lot of respect for Joe Demarco the forum leader so decided to put up a thread which I hope to turn into a journal.

I have a very long story but I will keep it very short. About 15 years ago I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy a weakened heart muscle. After that I needed to have a pacemaker put in and later after that I got a defibrillator put in. My weight went down to about 150 after all things settled down I decided to join a gym. I work at a hospital that has its own fitness center.

Anyway my start was filled with a lot of ups and downs which I'm sure a lot of you have went through. But through it all I kept coming back over and over. It took time but I eventually put on some muscle and got a pretty decent physique.

I enjoyed the results so much that I wanted to take it to another level. Now I know I have a long long way to go but eventually one day I would like to do some kind of a small local bodybuilding competition. In my life I never was good at any kind of sport and now that I found bodybulding I enjoy it so much.

I am working with a bodybulder who has been training me. He says I have potential but again its gonna take time. I just have to be patient.

I am enclosing my before picture and some current ones. Again please I know I don't look good and I'm not trying to pass myself off as a bodybuilder all full of myself. But one day I aspire to get there with a lot of hard work.

More of my story and what I do as far as training, eating, and keeping it safe with my heart will come out in my journal. I hope some of you will stay tuned and offer me advice and motivation along the way. There's a lot of great masters competitors on this board that I admire a lot and I know I can learn from them.

Thanks to all of you for your future help.

V.

V-Man
12-25-2009, 03:00 PM
Here are the photos please don't trash me too much.

V-Man
12-25-2009, 03:05 PM
I know I got a lot of problem areas. The major one being lats and width. Also need chest thickness, more hamstrings, more sweep.

My journal will start on Monday taking a few days off.

Starting next week I'm doing 12 weeks to put on some muscle and will take photos again. Current weight 165.

partsRheavy
12-25-2009, 06:35 PM
Welcome and a late Merry Christmas!!!!

You look good!!!! Just add a little bit of (moderate, safe) sunlight!!

V-Man
12-25-2009, 06:40 PM
Thanks PRH.

Sorry no sunlight for me. I take a medication that makes me sensitive to the sunlight. When I need a tan it will come from a bottle. lol

Have a good new year.

partsRheavy
12-25-2009, 06:44 PM
It's great that ya have a good support network w/the job and the BB'r trainer!!

Take care and have a great holiday week!!!

Hey, by the way, do you take a vit D supplement? I don't know but may be helpful as long as within your med guidelines.

Baldiewonkanobi
12-25-2009, 11:02 PM
I have judged several Masters over the years with such devices. To a judge they are invisable when scoring. Honered to have you aboard. Looks like you have a head start with great genetics. You have found your sport.


Baldie

buckimscl
12-26-2009, 03:43 PM
Great to have you around!

V-Man
12-26-2009, 04:02 PM
Baldies thanks so much. Not sure how you read my mind but the device and scars have always been on my mind and I lack confidence because of them. Everyone who competes has such perfect bodies and unfortunately mine looks like a road map. I know I have to get over it.

Thanks for the compliments hope you'll visit often.





I have judged several Masters over the years with such devices. To a judge they are invisable when scoring. Honered to have you aboard. Looks like you have a head start with great genetics. You have found your sport.


Baldie

V-Man
12-26-2009, 04:08 PM
Great to have you around!

Bucki I have to catch up to you.

Your doing great and I know you'll do good in Columbus. You still got a lot of time to go.

I wish I could go to the Arnold but can't. Its been a dream of mine. My trainer invited me but I take care of my 83 yr old mother so trips are out of the question for me.

Hang in there.

HeavyDutyGuy
12-26-2009, 04:42 PM
Trash you? Why on earth would we do that? This isn't Getbig or something. On this particular board, everyone bsically is supportive and encourages serious efforts. I think that if you work towards more muscularity, ala Frank Zane, it will serve you VERY well. Welcome and good luck!

gman
12-26-2009, 04:58 PM
V-man, belated welcome to our little subforum...we really do support each other. No trashing at all, but the occasional constructive criticism does occur, which I love getting from those in the know.

s2h
12-26-2009, 05:12 PM
AWESOME TO HAVE YOU ABOARD!!!!GUYS like you are a true inspration to myself and many "keep pumpin da iron and love life" good luck on stage sooner than later!!!!

joedemarco
12-26-2009, 05:33 PM
Great to have you on the forum, V-man! I agree with Baldie, you have great genetics. I can't tell you how huge that is for bodybuilding. With the proper training and nutrition, I don't see why you can't reach your goal of competing. I look forward to your journal. Anything I can do to help, just let me know. You'll find the members of this forum are also very helpful and supportive. Best of luck!

freebirdmac
12-26-2009, 06:18 PM
Welcome! You've done great so far. It'll be fun watching you go even further.

V-Man
12-26-2009, 09:14 PM
Great to have you on the forum, V-man! I agree with Baldie, you have great genetics. I can't tell you how huge that is for bodybuilding. With the proper training and nutrition, I don't see why you can't reach your goal of competing. I look forward to your journal. Anything I can do to help, just let me know. You'll find the members of this forum are also very helpful and supportive. Best of luck!

Joe thanks a lot for all the great comments. If I can be half as good as you I'd be happy as a clam. You're a role model for all of us. You;re the reason I posted my thread here. Please stay tuned and visit I'd really appreciate that.

V-Man
12-26-2009, 09:21 PM
AWESOME TO HAVE YOU ABOARD!!!!GUYS like you are a true inspration to myself and many "keep pumpin da iron and love life" good luck on stage sooner than later!!!!

To think that I can inspire someone else means a lot.

It is my goal to inspire others which is why I'm doing this.

Bodybuilding and working out is not just for those who have perfect genetics, perfect physiques or 6 packs, it's for everyone.

If I can help one person who has a medical condition or disabilty to start lifting weights of course being cleared by a doctor, and improving their health and how they look they I would be very happy.

V-Man
12-26-2009, 09:23 PM
Trash you? Why on earth would we do that? This isn't Getbig or something. On this particular board, everyone bsically is supportive and encourages serious efforts. I think that if you work towards more muscularity, ala Frank Zane, it will serve you VERY well. Welcome and good luck!

Heavy, thanks.

I didn't really mean trashing except I suppose I lack self confidence. Everyone has been very supportive to me and I appreciate all of you.

I hope to live up to all your expectations.

fatbackgoal
12-27-2009, 07:02 AM
Great to have you join our group. No egos just a lot of support from everyone to help you reach your goals!!

V-Man
12-27-2009, 05:02 PM
Split:

Day one: Quads
Day two: Back & traps
Day three: Hamstrings, shoulders
Day four: Chest, calves
Day five: Arms
Weekends off.

Back, quads and hamstring days are with my trainer. Chest and arms I do on my own.

SUPPLEMENTS
Protein Powder
Glutamine
Amino Acids
Multi Vitamin
Extra 500 mg Vitamin C
Tribulus or ZMA cycled
Co-Q10 for my heart

I will put up my meal plan and body measurements tonight.

Later...

gman
12-27-2009, 07:11 PM
COQ-10 has really helped my homocysteine and C Reactive Protein numbers come way down....from high to almost zero.

V-Man
12-27-2009, 09:35 PM
MEASUREMENTS

Chest 41 1/2
Neck 15 3/4
Waist 32 1/2

R. Quad 20 2/3
L. Quad 21 3/4

Biceps 14 1/2

Calf 14 3/8

Forearms 11 3/8

V-Man
12-27-2009, 09:47 PM
MEAL PLAN

7:00 AM - WAKE UP
Oatmeal with 2 scoops protein powder
SUPP Multi-Vitamin, 1 Glutamine, 1 amino acid

8 AM - WORKOUT

9:30 POST WORKOUT
1 can plain tuna, protein drink with 2 scoops
SUPP 1 glutamine, 2 aminos

12:30 LUNCH
Chicken Breast, 1/2 cup brown rice, carrots
SUPP 1 Multi-Vitamin, 1 glutamine

3:30 PM
Protein drink made with 2 scoops

5:30 PM
Ground sirloin and rice mixture

7:00 PM - DINNER
Chicken Breast or steak or shrimp, 1/2 cup brown rice or sweet potatoe, tossed salad w/balsamic vinegar and olive oil, carrots or cucumber

9:00 PM
1/3 protein bar with 2 tbl natural peanut butter

10:00 PM - BEDTIME
Protein drink made with 2 scoops
SUPP 1 multi-vitamin, 1 glutamine, extra Vitamin C, either ZMA or tribulus

SNACK almonds if needed.

This amounts to about 260 grams of protein a day.


WORKOUTS

When I start posting numbers tomorrow night please keep in mind I lift very carefully due to my heart condition. I use a spotter and excellent form even if it prevents me from lifting super heavy.

Although overall you will see my numbers are pretty respectable.

Thanks everyone.

V.

Baldiewonkanobi
12-28-2009, 11:16 AM
Question....'amino/aminos'....whats that? Full spectrum, BCCAs....which ones and how many grams?

Like your addition of tyhe Q10 for heart. Google around on Resveratrol and Beta Sistosterol for heart/arteries/cholesterol balance, etc. They are in my arsenal.


Baldie

PS looking at your skin you look 20.

Sledge
12-28-2009, 11:56 AM
Cool another log for me to read.

Welcome to the site mate. Keep up the good work.

joedemarco
12-28-2009, 12:06 PM
One suggestion I would make is take out the can of tuna post workout. You are already having 2 scoops of protein powder. Instead of the tuna, add in some simple carbs. Post workout the body is craving carbs....

V-Man
12-28-2009, 05:10 PM
My numbers were all within normal range except for the LDL the bad cholesterol was high.

However during the past 8 weeks I got rid of all the junk food, fast food, cookies, cakes, snacks and chips.

Instead I eat primarily chicken, ground sirloin, tuna, steak, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots, salad, wheat pasta, oatmeal, peanut butter, almonds.

Well I had new readings taken and they all improved greatly just by diet changes.

TOTAL CHOLESTEROL range should be under 200
Before I was 185, now I'm 170

HDL - GOOD CHOLESTEROL range should be greater then 39
Before I was 57, I went up 62

LDL - BAD CHOLESTEROL should be less then 100
Before I was high at 121, now I'm at 100 so I dropped 21 points.
Damn, only 1 point away from being normal.

The doctor still wants to start me on low dose Crestor 5 mg a day because its important to prevent atherosclerosis.

I did not want Lipitor cause it has muscle and joint aches for a side effect.

So eating right can help and he said the exercise probably also helped.

V-Man
12-28-2009, 05:25 PM
Being off today I had a doctor appt as you can see by the cholesterol readings. Went to the gym, got a haircut, and went to a meat market. I can't seem to get a good steak at the grocery store. Everytime when I buy something that looks perfect it ends up tough. So a patient of ours owns a meat market so I went there. Got some ground round which they grind on the spot and bought some rib eye steaks.


Today's workout all on my own.

CHEST

Incline Bench
95x14, 115,12, 125x12, 135x12, 145x8

Flat DB Presses
40x15, 50x12, 60x11, 60x12 drop set 40x12

Cable Crossover from the low pulleys.
30x12, 40x12, 40x12, 35x12

Pec Deck
60x15, 75x12, 90x15, 90x15

CALVES

Standing Calf Raises
100x22, 120x20, 130x18, 130x15

Seated Calf Raises
45x25, 70x25, 90x22, 90x21

Also some abs.

Tomorrow I do quads wrh my trainer. I used to hate training legs but now I enjoy it.

V-Man
12-28-2009, 05:38 PM
I also got my cooking for the week done today. I feel like its an assembly line sometimes with all the bowls lined up for filling. Oh well it's the price we have to pay right?

Here's one of my lunches, a chicken breast, brown rice and carrots. I don't like broccoli.

Also a photo of my meat and rice mixture. I used ground round steak and even after it's browned it goes on paper towels to absorb any other fat. Then I just season and mix it with rice.

V.

V-Man
12-28-2009, 05:40 PM
One suggestion I would make is take out the can of tuna post workout. You are already having 2 scoops of protein powder. Instead of the tuna, add in some simple carbs. Post workout the body is craving carbs....

Thanks Joe I will do that, thanks for the help.

V-Man
12-29-2009, 08:16 PM
I had chocolate today. My trainer and his girlfriend gave me a bodybuilding care package for Christmas. It had a 2010 date planner so I can keep track of my goals, Rubbermaid food containers which I needed, magazine subscription, gas card to get to the gym, chocolate which I ate, now they say I can't have any more till my next 12 week mass phase is over. And most importantly a Christmas card in which he wrote a lot of nice personal stuff about me. It was nice to see someone care about me.

No quads today, sorry I misled all of you. It was "back" day. Tomorrow I will do quads.
I have to put in a lot of effort into back training cause I need to work on my lat width.

BACK

Body weight Chin Ups - 25, 20, 23

Lat Pull Downs - 125x13, 150x15, 175x10 drop set 87.5x7, 137.5x13 drop set 87.5x7

Wide Grip Machine Rows - 110x12, 125x12, 130x15, 130x15 drop set 80x10

Cybex Machine Pull Overs 80x15, 90x13, 90x12, 90x12

Single Arm DB Rows - 60x12, 60x12
--------------------------------------------------------

Ate good today except for the chocolate which I know I deserved. lol

Tomorrow is quad day. Gonna watch some training videos of leg workout to get me in the mood for tomorrow. Maybe Eric Fankhauser for motivation.

See you tomorrow night.

partsRheavy
12-29-2009, 11:44 PM
What an awesome Christmas pckg from your trainer!!!!! :yep:

(I love chocolate LOL)

V-Man
12-30-2009, 09:34 PM
What an awesome Christmas pckg from your trainer!!!!! :yep:

(I love chocolate LOL)


Yes I got my chocolate fix.

They are great people. The thing is about finding a good trainer is that they become family to you and they both have. I love them both very much.

V-Man
12-30-2009, 09:40 PM
Today was quad day with Dan. He pushes me a lot.

QUADS

Squats 135X15 warm up, 185x15, 250x16, 250x15, 200x14

Leg Press 420x16, 570x15, 650x15, 650x18, 700x12, 420x27

Vertical Leg Press 270x10, 270x14, 270x15

Leg Extensions 120x15, 135x12, 135x14, 135x13 drop set 90x8

Adductor Machine or the baby maker. My trainer says I need help with my inner quads. Never been on this before so I stayed light.
70x18, 80x20, 80x25, 80x28

Tomorrow is bi's and tri's on my own.

No workouts on New Years Day.

V

Baldiewonkanobi
12-30-2009, 10:07 PM
Nailing those pins......:yep: WTG


Baldie

V-Man
01-02-2010, 06:32 PM
Happy New Year to everyone.

HAMSTRINGS

Lying leg Curl 100x15, 150x15, 200x15, 200x13 drop set 120x6, 150x18

Seated Curl Downs 100x13, 115x15, 115x16, 100x16

Single Leg Curls 40x14, 45x13, 45x12 to 30x5 holds

SHOULDERS

Seated Lateral Raises 20x15, 25x13, 30x11 drop set 20x6, 25x10 drop set 20x8

Smith Machine Shoulder Press 90x15, 110x15, 110x12, 100x12, 110 x10 drop set 70x20

Rear Delt DB Flyes 20x15, 25x15, 25x15, 25,17

Machine Side Laterals 65x12, 65x15, 65x16

Rear Delt Pec Deck Flyes 85x10 to heavy to 60x6, 65x14, 65x14

Front Raises 20x12, 20x12, 25x12

joedemarco
01-02-2010, 06:37 PM
Happy New Year, V-man! Best of luck in 2010 with your training!

V-Man
01-04-2010, 08:22 PM
Back on a near perfect diet again. Yesterday I cooked up a bunch of food for the week.

Anyone have any suggestions on things you can put on a sweet potatoe other then eating it plain.

BACK

Chinups, 21, 25, 24
Lat Pull Downs 125x15, 150x15, 180x14 (new high), 150x20 drop set to 100x5
T-Bar Rows 90x15, 115x13, 125x11, 105x15
Single Arm Cable Rows 90x16, 102x15, 102x20
Parallel Grip Pull Downs 100x12, 112.5x10, 112.5x16, 100x12 drop set 62.5x5 (holds)
Cybex Pull Overs 85x15, 95x13, 95x13, 85x12

V-Man
01-06-2010, 09:35 PM
Squats 185x15, 250x17, 250x16, 205x20
The two 250's were rep highs.

Bpdy Masters Angled Leg Press 50x15, 90x15, 135x15, 200x14

Vertical Leg Press 230x15, 320x15, 410x12, 270x16

Leg Extensions 87.5x15, 105x12, 105x12, 95x12

V-Man
01-06-2010, 09:37 PM
Biceps and Triceps

EZ Bar Curls 40x12, 40x12, 50x12, 60x9

Close Grip Bench, 95x15, 95x10, 95x10, 105x8
Next time Smiith machine this was hard on the wrist and the bar was slipping

Skull Crushers 40x15, 50x15, 60x12, 60x10

Alt. DB Curls 25x12, 30x12, 35x10, 40x6

Hammer Curls 25x12, 30x11, 25x11

Rope Press Down 65x15, 70x11, 75x10, 65x12

Overhead Cable Bicep Curls 35x12, 40x11, 40x11

joedemarco
01-07-2010, 09:53 AM
Way to start off the new year, V-man! Keep plugging away.

I saw your post regarding sweet potatoes. You can always mash it up with a little splenda and cinnamon if you're looking for something sweet.

Baldiewonkanobi
01-07-2010, 10:26 AM
I LOVE sweet potato....my gout does too unfortunatly :mad:. I would sprinkle Splenda and Pumpkin Pie Spice mix on them.....:drool:

Baldie

buckimscl
01-09-2010, 09:10 AM
Hey V-man. Just wanted to check in and hope you had a great New Years!

joedemarco
01-11-2010, 03:06 PM
Hey, V-man...what have you been up to? How's your day going?

V-Man
01-11-2010, 07:41 PM
Sorry everyone I've been off for a while. I got stuck in a ditch with last weeks snow and it screwed me up. Here are some photos taken last month was fooling with pro tan. I know I got a long way to go.

V..

V-Man
01-11-2010, 07:42 PM
not sure why some are so small.

V-Man
01-11-2010, 07:44 PM
again

V-Man
01-13-2010, 10:15 PM
Hello,

I had a workout today after a layoff due to car problems and weather. I had cooked food for myself but threw it in the backward for the wild cats to eat. I saw one cat eat 1.5 chicken breasts all by himself, another night they had tilapia. I resorted back to eating fast food cause of the mood I was in. I am back to working out and ate good today. You can call that episode a momentary melt down.

BACK

Chins 22, 22, 25

Machine Rows 95x16, 115,15, 130x16, 130xx14

Lat Pull Downs 80x15, 110x15, 130x15, 140x16 drop set 90x5 w/holds. (This doesn't compare to my last pull downs I had to use a different machine so the weights are different.)

Single Arm Cable Rows 90x14, 100x15, 100x15

Close Grip Pull Downs 100x13, 100x14, 100x14 dropset 75x5

Straight Arm Pull Downs
70x13, 80x14, 80x15, 80x13

Cobra's
60x12, 60x15, 70x16

I learned my lesson. I cannot let problems in life derail me from my workouts, my diet and hopefully bodybuilding one day. Sorry to all of you.

freebirdmac
01-14-2010, 08:23 AM
Stuff happens. Just get back on the wagon!

And no throwing junk food out to feed the wild critters :)

joedemarco
01-14-2010, 10:42 AM
It's OK V-man. Everyone's been there. Just glad to hear you worked through it and are back in the gym and eating well. Have a great day!

V-Man
01-18-2010, 09:30 PM
Thursday, January 14, 2010 - QUADS

Squats 185x15, 255x15, 255x15, 185x20 (255 a new high up 5 pounds I will probably stay there for working sets not trying to lift heavy or risk injury)

Cybex Leg Press 370x17, 550x18, 640x16, 690x12

Angled Leg Press 50x15, 140x20,. 190x20, 190x15

Leg Extensions (numbers look weird cause I had to use different machines)
120x13, 100x10, 87.5x12 drop set 75x5, 87.5x11

Friday, January 15, 2010 - HAMSTRINGS

Lying Leg Curls 70X15, 90X15, 110X15, 130X15, 150X15

Seated Leg Curls 80x15, 90x15, 100x15, 105x15 drop set 80x10

Single Leg Curls 25x15, 35x15, 35x15,25x15

Adductors 80x15, 90x15, 100x15, 110x15, 120x6

SHOULDER

BB Press 65x15, 75x13, 85x14, 95x11

Lateral Raises 15x12, 20x13, 20x12

Bob45
01-18-2010, 09:51 PM
Hello,

I had a workout today after a layoff due to car problems and weather. I had cooked food for myself but threw it in the backward for the wild cats to eat. I saw one cat eat 1.5 chicken breasts all by himself, another night they had tilapia. I resorted back to eating fast food cause of the mood I was in. I am back to working out and ate good today. You can call that episode a momentary melt down.

BACK

Chins 22, 22, 25

Machine Rows 95x16, 115,15, 130x16, 130xx14

Lat Pull Downs 80x15, 110x15, 130x15, 140x16 drop set 90x5 w/holds. (This doesn't compare to my last pull downs I had to use a different machine so the weights are different.)

Single Arm Cable Rows 90x14, 100x15, 100x15

Close Grip Pull Downs 100x13, 100x14, 100x14 dropset 75x5

Straight Arm Pull Downs
70x13, 80x14, 80x15, 80x13

Cobra's
60x12, 60x15, 70x16

I learned my lesson. I cannot let problems in life derail me from my workouts, my diet and hopefully bodybuilding one day. Sorry to all of you.

You are great at chins! The animals must all love you now. Are they sticking around? Life sure gets in the way of a lot of things. This is the Masters section. We have all been through and most are still going through a lot. Join the crowd. All the workouts look great!

V-Man
01-20-2010, 10:12 PM
Tuesday, January 19, 2010 - BACK

Chins, 22, 24, 26

Lat Pull Downs 137.5x15, 162.5 x 16, 162.5 x15, 162.5 x10 drop 100x8 drop 100x9

Bent Over Rows 95x15, 115x15, 145x12, 155x12

Life Fitness Rows 125x15, 140x15, 140x16 drop 80x7

Rev. Grip Pull Downs 100x12, 100x16, 112.5x12

Cybex Pullovers 90x12, 100x12, 100x13, 100x10 drop 70x8




Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - QUADS

Angled Leg Press 50x14, 140x15, 230x15

Smith Machine Squats 155x15, 225x20, 255x15, 205x19

Vertical Leg Press 270x15, 360x16, 400x15

Leg Extensions 120x15, 135x12, 135x10 drop 75x6, 135x15, 90x10

joedemarco
01-21-2010, 10:26 AM
Great workouts. How is the nutrition going, V-man?

V-Man
01-27-2010, 08:30 PM
Thursday, January 21, 2010

ARMS

Smith Close Grip Bench
95x15, 115x16, 125x15, 135x12

EZ Bar Curls
30x12, 40x12m 50x12, 55x12

DB Curls
25x12, 30x12, 35x12, 40x11

Skull Crushers
40x15, 50x15, 60x12, 60x11

Rope Press Downs
60x14, 65x15, 70x12, 70x11

Friday, January 22, 2010

HAMSTRINGS

Lying Leg Curls
90x15, 150x15, 150x15, 200x15, 205x16

Seated Curl Downs
110x15, 120x18, 120x20, 130x20

Single Leg Curls
40x16, 45x16, 50x15

SHOULDERS
DB Side Laterals
20x15, 25x12, 30x12, 25x15 drop 15x8, 25x16

BB Shoulder Press
105x12, 135x10, 135x12, 135x11 drop 95x8

DB Front Raises
15x15, 20x15, 20x16

Side Cable Laterals
15x12, 15x11, 10x13


Mon. January 25, 2010

BACK

Chins 22, 25, 27

Lat Pull Downs
125x15, 150x12, 150x15 drop 100x5
125x16

T-Bar Rows
90x15, 115x13, 135x13, 135x13

Close Grip Pull Downs
100x15, 100x15, 100x20 drop 62.5x7

Single Arm Cable Rows
90x14, 110x14, 110x12

Rev. Grip Pull Downs 60x15, 70x18

Cybex Pull Overs
90x12, 100x12, 110x13 drop 70x5, 100x8 drop 70x8

V-Man
02-11-2010, 09:08 PM
Hello,

I apologize I haven't been updating the journal cause I haven't really lifted much.

I found a couple weeks ago that I need to have surgery which is scheduled for Feb. 19th. The have to replace the ICD device in my abdomen which normally would be routine but with me the wiring is no longer good. So they have to go in and tunnel and replace some lead wires. This will all be done by the best cardiovascular surgeon we have. I work at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL.

So with this news I sort of lost the wind in my sails. I have discussed this with my trainer and he told me to continue with maintenance workouts up until the surgery. Then take the 3-4 weeks off and then come back again.
I did take his advice and have been doing maintenance workouts.

Well anyway that's all that's been happening. I've had a surgeon appointment today, now I just have to see the anesthesiologist and get my blood work done.

I will be back soon. I'm going to get some bands to keep things up when at home. And when I hit the gym I will be with the baby weights again.

I hope that all of you who are like family will bear with me. My journal with my numbers will retire for a little while, but I will keep it posted as to what's going on with me.

All of you have been the very best and I appreciate all of you.

Vito

V-Man
02-11-2010, 09:27 PM
There's just a lot on my mind with my surgery and number one I am worried about my trainer.

Our training relationship quickly became a personal one of friendship and brotherhood in just 23 months.

I want to make sure things are in order just in case. I told my trainer that he and another trainer were to be pall bearers jokingly saying that with the two of them no one would drop me. Then I said I was gonna have 45 lb plates added so they would have a harder time. Then I told him he would give the eulogy about how dedicated I was and how hard I worked. Well he didn't find this funny. He was greatly upset with me and doesn't not want to hear that kind of talk from me.

He got me a shirt when he went to Venice Beach and I've worn it a lot during workouts and I treasure that shirt. I told him I was giving it back for him to put it in my casket, again he wasn't happy with me.

I know I will be fine but I just want to have things in order the way I would want them. I don't know was that wrong of me. The humor was just my way of dealing with it.

My trainer is my best friend and we are like brothers. I know he's hurting over this. His full time job is a fire fighter and he owns a gym. He said if anything happens to me he will not have the drive to train people.

His girlfriend said he's been in a down mood over all this and is taking this hard cause he cares so much about me, that I am family to him.

It's been hard but I've been training with him these past 2 weeks and keeping everything positive and making him laugh a few times.

I spoke to his girlfriend and she promised she would always look after and take care of him so I know he will be fine.

I don't know what to do about next week when our last session is done. Part of me wants to just walk out of the gym and have no good byes cause I know I will fall apart. There's a lot I want to say to him so I wrote a letter. Should I drop the letter and shirt on his desk and walk out. It's a small gym so I don't want to cause an emotional scene.

Or do I just accept that he's gonna want to say good bye, close his office door and face him for what might be the last time and give him closure just in case.

Again I know I will be fine but you get no do over's in life and I don't want to leave anything undone.

V-Man
02-11-2010, 09:33 PM
I want to publicly thank Joe DeMarco. I told him the news a couple weeks ago so he was the first to know. He sent me a very supportive letter back to me. It helped me a lot to know people I never even met really care.

He's been a true gentleman and friend to me. He deserves so much goodness in life and I hope and know he will get it.

Thanks Joe for being there and being a friend.

Vito

HeavyDutyGuy
02-11-2010, 11:04 PM
I know its got to very tough to go through. But try to stay positive! Prayers thrown your way!

Baldiewonkanobi
02-12-2010, 06:14 AM
I am looking forward to your posting during your bounce back. I got good at band training after I broke 3 bones in my leg about 3 years ago. I have some cool bands things you can try. Think of yourself as Silly Putty...remember that chit? The rebound was mysteriously greater than the imput.

V-MAN


Baldie

axioma
02-12-2010, 11:17 AM
You sure you aren't an incognito, beefed up clarence bass?

V-Man
02-12-2010, 08:36 PM
thanks for the support to all of you.

joedemarco
02-13-2010, 10:20 AM
thanks for the support to all of you.

Just stay positive V, and everything is going to be fine. You be out of the hospital and back in the gym in no time.

V-Man
02-23-2010, 09:12 PM
Hello,
I know everyone had wanted an update. Thanks to those of you who sent PM's. It was really appreciated.

The surgery took only 4 hours cause one doctor worked on the chest and another on the abdomen. I still need to have two devices there's no way around that. So I have a pacemaker in my upper chest now and an ICD in my abdomen. Am doing fine.

Except I have an infection at the abdomen sight but I'm on antibiotics so hopefully that will work. Thanks again to everyone for the support.

Hopefully if everything clears up I can train in a couple weeks.

Thanks,

joedemarco
02-24-2010, 09:39 AM
Hello,
I know everyone had wanted an update. Thanks to those of you who sent PM's. It was really appreciated.

The surgery took only 4 hours cause one doctor worked on the chest and another on the abdomen. I still need to have two devices there's no way around that. So I have a pacemaker in my upper chest now and an ICD in my abdomen. Am doing fine.

Except I have an infection at the abdomen sight but I'm on antibiotics so hopefully that will work. Thanks again to everyone for the support.

Hopefully if everything clears up I can train in a couple weeks.

Thanks,

Good to hear from you. Glad the surgery was a success! I know I speak for the entire forum when I wish you a speedy recovery. Keep us updated.

Baldiewonkanobi
02-24-2010, 09:45 AM
Awsome...great to get that behind you. We look forward to your return to the weights.


Baldie

Mac
02-24-2010, 09:50 AM
Glad to hear you'll be training again soon V-man.

axioma
02-25-2010, 10:08 AM
Just read this. I hope things are going well. You do have a great deal of support here!

V-Man
02-25-2010, 09:16 PM
As you can see the journal name has now been changed to "Comeback." Thanks to Joe for handling that.

My infection has gotten better but have to finish the course of antibiotics. My trainer is going to the Arnold so I should be back to training when he comes back.

I've been in the gym twice but just doing cardio. One day was on the treadmill and today I tried a new Life Fitness bike. It was a nice bike even has those drop down ergonomic handle bars not like there's any wind resistance in the gym. But I guess if you're a road cyclist its good for training purposes.

That's a thought maybe I should try for the 2012 road cycling Olympics team. I can start training now. I'm used to shaving legs. lol And I hear London is nice. Guess I am feeling better.

I guess I'll be using the pretty pink, lavendar and orange dumb bells for a while.

Thanks again to everyone.

freebirdmac
02-26-2010, 08:35 AM
Wow! Miss a week and miss a lot!!! I'm so glad the surgery went well and the infection is clearing up!!! Who cares what color the dumbbells are, you're back into the gym doing something. It won't be long and you'll be back to normal. Keep up the great recovery :)

axioma
03-04-2010, 08:12 AM
Catch us up...how you doing?

V-Man
03-04-2010, 09:10 PM
Doing good ax, the infection looks all cleared up to me.

I went to my trainer Dan's gym a couple times and hit the weights. They felt good but I am real weak. The purpose of me going was just to get the feel back and to get some blood flowing into the muscle.

I'm functioning at a third less of what I usually lift. The most noticeable was legs they felt like loose spaghetti. I have the extreme desire to lift and do well, but right now my body is not responding very well. I know this is only temporary an to stay positive.

Dan and Yeny leave tomorrow for the Arnold they've gone for like 10 years in a row and never miss. I could of actually went cause they had a spare ticket I told them I couldn't go so her sister is going. I know they mean well and I really appreciate the invitation. But it does hurt a lot, there's no one more deserving of going then me. I made many a sacrifice in my life putting my own happiness aside, relationships, friendships, vacations, all to look after my mother. The only thing I have is the gym.

I told them I would keep an eye on the gym while they are gone. We have a joke going that I am third in line for the gym business.

I will survive I guess. Monday I begin my official training.

V-Man
03-12-2010, 10:17 PM
Well two weeks after surgery I hot the gym this past Monday. Monday was rough cause I had the stomach flu from Sunday. I saw the doctor Tuesday who took all the steri strips off and said my healing was fine and the infection appears to be gone.

My trainer brought me a bunch of cool stuff from the Arnold. They had a good time but said the expo is way to crowded now, probably due to all the people which all those different activities attract.

Monday, March 8, 2010
BACK
Had stomach flu on Sunday night so just did some light back. I did not record anything.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010
CHEST
Pec Dec Flyes (warm up) 45x15, 75x15, 75x15

Flat Barbell Press 135x13, 135x15, 165x13, 175x13

Smith Machine Incline Press
135x13, 155x13, 155x12, 135x18

Flat DB Flyes 30x15, 30x13, 30x14

Pec Dec Flyes 95x13, 90x14.5, 90x16

Wednesday, March 10, 2010
QUADS

Squats 135x15, 185x15, 205x15

Vertical Leg Press 180x15, 270x18, 320x16, 320x15

Leg Extensions 75x14, 87x15, 87x13, 87x14 drop 50x6

Thursday, March 11, 2010
SHOULDERS

Lateral Raises 15x15, 20x15, 25x15, 30x11, 25x16

Shoulder Press 80x15, 120x13, 160x17, 200x12, 150x12 drop 100x6

Pec Dec Rear Delt Flyes 65x16, 80x16, 100x14, 100x12 to 70x5, 90x11

HAMSTRINGS
Lying Leg Curls 110x15, 160x15, 200x16, 200x16

Seated Leg Curls 100x15, 115x17, 120x15, 120x13 drop 90x10

Single Leg Curls 40x12, 40x15, 40x15



Friday, March 12, 2010 - Did arms but forgot my workout sheet so will record next week

V-Man
03-12-2010, 10:29 PM
I work at the hospital that did my surgery so one of the nurses took me some pictures.

V-Man
03-12-2010, 10:33 PM
A nurse took some pictures for me. You can see all my hardware by my x-rays.

V-Man
03-12-2010, 10:39 PM
More

V-Man
03-16-2010, 08:41 PM
Friday, March 12, 2010
BICEPS & TRICEPS
Alternate DB Curls 25x12, 30x15, 35x12, 35x12 drop 25x6

Tricep Push Downs 50x15, 60x16, 70x15, 70x15

Preacher Cable Curls 40x15, 50x11 drop 30x9, 50x10 drop 30x10

Skull Crushers 60x15, 70x14, 70x12 drop 60x5

Single Arm Cable Curls 40x12, 40x10 drop 30x6, 40x12 drop 30x5

Overhead Tricep Extension 100x17, 120x15, 120x15 drop 90x6

Monday, March 15, 2010
BACK

Bodyweight Chins 20, 24, 20

Lat Pull Downs 125x12, 125x13, 125x15, 137x11 drop 75x15

T-Bar Rows 80x12, 115x16, 125x16

Low Cable Rows 120x14, 150x15, 150x16

Single Arm Cable Rows 80x15, 100x15, 100x14

Parallel Grip Pull Down 100x11, 100x12, 100x15, 100x20

Cybex Pull Overs 80x15, 90x14, 100x14 drop 70x11

V-Man
03-17-2010, 09:25 PM
Tues. March 16, 2010

CHEST

Pec Deck Flyes Warm Up 60x15, 75x15, 75x15

Flat DB Press 50x15, 60x15, 70x16, 80x15, 80x11, 65x15

Incline Smith Press 130x15, 140x15, 140x10 drop 110x8, 110x12 drop 90x6

Pec Deck Flyes 90x15, 105x17, 105x13, 105x10 drop 80x8

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

QUADS

Squats 135x15, 185x15, 240x19, 240x16, 225x12

Leg Press 470x 15, 620x16, 670x13, 570x20 drop 460x6

Leg Extensions 120x13, 140x13, 140x15, 140x14

V-Man
03-18-2010, 09:49 PM
Thursday, March 18, 2010

HAMSTRINGS - SHOULDERS

Lying Leg Curls 100x15, 150x15, 200x16, 210x16, 170x15

Seated Leg Curls 110x15, 120x15, 120x16, 120x12 drop 90x13

Single Leg Curls 40x15, 50x13, 50x12, 50x11

SHOULDERS

Lateral Raises 15x15, 25x12, 25x11, 25x12

Bodymasters Shoulder Press 70x15, 120x15, 120x16, 150x16, 150x13 drop 100x6

Rear Delt Flyes on bench 25x7, 30x13, 30x11 drop 25x10, 25x12

Rear Delt Pec Deck 75x10, 75x12, 75x12 drop 75x6, drop 60x3

V-Man
03-25-2010, 10:29 PM
TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2010 - BACK
Chins 21, 25, 21

Lat Pull Downs 106x12, 116x12, 126x15, 126x13 drop 86x7

Low Rows 120x13, 140x15, 160x15 drop 110x5

Life Fitness Wide Grip Rows 110x13, 125x13, 125x14, 125x14

Close Geip Pull Downs 75x8, 75x13, 75x16, 75x19

Cobras 60x14, 70x15, 70x15,

Pull Overs 90x14, 100x11, 100x11 drop 70x5


WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010 - QUADS

Squats 135x15, 195x15, 260x15, 260x10

Vertical Leg Press 230x15, 320x15, 370x15, 370x14

Cybex Leg Extensions 87.5x11, 87.5x13, 87.5x15, 87.5x12 drop 62.5x5


THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2010 - SHOULDERS & HAMSTRINGS

Lying Leg Curls 100x15, 150x15, 200x12, 200x12, 160x13, 160x15, 160x20

Seated Leg Curls 110x14, 110x18, 120x15 drop 90x10, 100x19

Single Leg Curls 50x10, 50x15, 40x15

Bodymasters Shoulder Press 90x15, 130x15, 170x20, 205x15, 205x13 drop 145x5

DB Side Lateral Raises 25x15, 25x18, 25x15, 25x15 drop 15x8

DB Rear Delt Flyes 25x15, 25x14, 25x15, 25x15

Two Handled Cable Side Laterals 15x10, 15x12, 15x12

Rear Delt Pec Deck Flyes 75x15, 75x12 drop 60x6

V-Man
04-26-2010, 09:23 PM
New back shots, they are improving.

axioma
04-27-2010, 10:28 AM
Welcome back...nothing more to say, you got my attention and support!

joedemarco
04-27-2010, 10:40 AM
Glad to see you posting some updated pics. Looks good, V-man. Keep plugging away.

THEVMAN
06-27-2010, 09:56 PM
Your V-Man - I thought I was THE-V-MAN - I feel like Cramer on Seinfield when he got the ASSMAN license plate - and everyone was calling him ASSMAN and the proctologist wanted his license plate back. LOL

THEVMAN
06-27-2010, 09:59 PM
Great new with the Operation and getting back in the gym - props to you

V-Man
07-14-2010, 09:27 PM
Well after my pacemaker & ICD surgery in February and settling back into training and making some real good progress.

I have another set back. I had another surgery yesterday. I noticed a sharp piece coming from my abdomen. I showed a nurse who said it was my device and it was normal cause I'm thin. It still felt weird and was bothering me when sleeping or doing exercises against a pad and the incision line was still red, it was not fading in color.

I showed the doctor and he was concerned. It is the device coming through. It does need to be fixed cause it could erode through the skin which you don't want to happen.

So I had it done and I'm home. Got some pain but not too bad. To sleep I do take a vicodin.

Here's a photo from July 1. I won't be training for a little while.

joedemarco
07-15-2010, 07:10 AM
To bad to hear about the set back V-man. From your pics, you seemed to be back on track. Hoping for a quick and safe recovery!

bryantone
07-15-2010, 08:31 AM
You are doing fine. Pics show that your BF is on track. All you have to do is add muscle. Some of us (me) have to loose fat AND add muscle. BTW I had 3 back surgeries, (last one 1-09) so I can relate with how you feel on the delays. They are not setbacks because you pick up where you left off after a month or so. Keep up the good work.

V-Man
07-15-2010, 10:00 AM
Thanks if you see on the abdomen you can see the piece sticking out sp hopefully it will be flat now.

Thanks for the support.