I refuse to believe any doctor would tell someone they can’t exercise at all because of an obesity related heart problem. Maybe something like “no intense strain”, but DEFINITELY not “no exercise whatsoever”.
My mothers docter told her she shouldnt get her heart rate above 90 beats or something pretty low. Its not because of being over weight but serious blockage and all the valve stints. She has been told not be to very active, and do not hold anything heavier then a gallon of milk. They didnt outright say she couldnt exercise...
Granted, she is in kinda bad health and has had multiple heart attacks along with open heart surgery a few years ago. But her having stopped doing almost everything has also had a major impact on her body.
Technically that's pretty good. If I could cut my beer drinking by a quarter I'd loose some weight. You're right, progress is progress. It's not about where you're at, it's about where you're headed