Thank you all for the kind words and reading through my lengthy story – one that I’ve never shared before because no one ever cared about what our bodies went through. Most are only interested in the combat aspect – of which I could write another thesis – or our political views on the war.
I am so happy that today’s returning troops enjoy a fond welcome home. But I also must confess that my happiness for them is still shared with a touch of bitterness. Our treatment upon returning was hurtful and depressing, and aggravated many of our cases of PTSD. Through many analyses by various psychological studies, it was found that one of the most common stress coping mechanisms for PTSD was increased hunger and eating. Obesity among aging veterans is quite common. So, in a way, My Vietnam War Diet still plays a role in my nutritional life decades later. Even today I shudder at the thought of fruit cocktail.
A few of you suggested that I write a book about my Vietnam experience. Well, actually, I did. I penned a novel based on my war experience in 2002 and it reached massmarket paperback status under the title “My Dying Breath” by Ben Reed (Kensington Publishing of NY) and it did quite well. Hardly a blockbuster but successful nonetheless. It is no longer in print but I am working on an electronic version for Amazon (which might still have some used copies available). Please do not construe my postings as some sort of promotion. If I’d wanted to do that, ketogenicforums.com would have hardly been my choice for such. You can also visit my website, www.mydyingbreath.com.
Question/Advice: I would like to share more of my life experiences with weight battles and the various successes and failures and what’ve I learned. And moreover what more I need to learn. There are still ongoing problems that physicians have failed me on. Even my fine cardiologist is dismayed at the lack of help that he can be to many of his patients and now believes that nutrition is where we will find refuge and improvement.
So, do I continue to post in this thread; begin another or just join in anywhere?
Also, how do I change my screen name?
GentleBen – my nickname in Vietnam – would be much more appropriate than Benben (which was actually a typo when signing into this forum LOL.)