Relieved of pressure against its valves--at least I assume that was what came to pass--my heart began functioning as I assume a normal heart should function, and at once the sense of oppression in the neighborhood of the heart was gone.
Within the same week I took most joyful note of the fact that I was losing flesh in the vicinities where mainly I craved to lose it amidships and at the throat.

I still had a double chin in front, but the third one, which I carried behind as a spare--the one which ran all the way round my neck and lapped at the back like a clergyman's collar--was melting away.

And unless I was woefully mistaken, I no longer had to fight so desperate a battle with the waistband of my trousers when I dressed in the mornings.
I was not mistaken.

Glory be and likewise selah! My first and second mezzanines were visibly shrinking.

By these signs and portents was I stimulated to continue the campaign so auspiciously launched and so satisfactorily progressing.
I shall not deny that in the second week I did some backsliding.