So, got tested again and saw the doctor this morning, and here's where I'm at:

My total cholesterol, which was 227, and needs to be under 200, is now 159.
My triglycerides, which were 211, and need to be under 150, are now 158.
My HDL cholesterol (the good kind), which was 38, and needs to be over 40, is now 40.

My BP was 120 over 80. Didn't catch my heartrate or temperature but the nurse didn't shriek so I'm guessing all was well. My doctor told me I'd lost a pound a half since the last visit (in clear contradiction to what my bathroom scale has been telling me, but then last time the nurse had me take my shoes off and this time she didn't, so I'm assuming my shoes weigh 7 pounds) but that things were going well and to keep going.
Also found out, through an ultrasound a few weeks ago, that I have a fatty liver (Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH) which is not a problem at the moment and whose treatment is… pretty much exactly what I'm doing anyway.

All in all I am extremely pleased, as I was afraid that after the dieting and (sigh) total abandonment of nondiet soft drinks my cholesterol would be higher or something and I'd have go vegetarian. Looks like I can continue as I have been, and start adding more exercise to bring the weight down.

Just keeping everyone in the loop.