Glad to here that you are on the road to recovery. Sounds like giving up fatty foods and smokes will be pretty tough. It might be best to give up smoking first and then start a healthy diet and sensible exercise. Having quit smoking myself, I know that the physical addiction leaves in as little as 2-3 weeks (if you're consistent). The mental habit is harder to kick (but the severe physical cravings are gone long before). I can say that it only gets easier with time.
I started playing D&D in 2nd grade, and haven't stopped in all these 22 years since. Your game has given me countless hours of enjoyment and, indeed, set me on the career I enjoy today. So you can count on me as one more person sending good throughts and prayers your way.
Get well soon, Mr. Gygax. I'm glad your family is there for you - family is the best, and there is nothing else I'd rather be surrounded with than family during times of crisis or incident. But, we are all still pulling for you, too.