Taking a hacksaw to a set of classic Cinelli bars has to be the most vile "recommendation" yet.

To the OP's return to cycling:

Pulling the current bar/stem set-up and going w/ a taller & shorter stem w/ wide drop bars may address your comfort issues as you return to fitness. Nitto makes a very reliable tall stem in the Technomic line which mates well w/ Noodle bars. You won't look like Hinault w/ that set-up
but it may well get you back on the bike you own comfortably. Might as well replace the brake cables and wind on some fresh Cinelli cork tape.

http://www.amazon.com/Nitto-Technomi...rds=nitto+stem


http://www.amazon.com/Nitto-Noodle-2...tto+handlebars

Pop on a set of 28mm tires on your current wheels and get those miles in.

-Bandera