Hope your dad's doing better Si and doesn't suffer any long-term ill effects. Although it must have been a terribly frightening experience, all the test results look good and it sounds like he should have a full and complete recovery. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise, a warning so to speak, and he can make some changes to prevent anything major.
As for the possible Atkins connection, I don't follow the plan myself but I know others who have had great success with it, however, they don't rely heavily on the bacon and fried eggs routine and opt for the leaner, broiled meats and leafy veggies (oh crikey, I don't want to sound like I'm preaching here). I have to admit it used to amuse me how your dad would constantly taunt you with sausage, egg and bacon fry-ups and I know when you decided to do a short-term Atkins stint that's what your mouth was watering for.
Again, I hope he's on the mend and back home soon (if not already). And hey, you can only go up from rock bottom darlin'