This. I had a very similar experience, although I did Starting Strength followed by 5/3/1. Squats and deadlifts have done wonders for my low back and knee pain. Over two years of lifting, I have gained about 30 pounds, but my waist size has not changed, suggesting that the weight gain is nearly all muscle.
There's no shortcut, all it takes is lots of barbell training and protein intake over time.
There's no shortcut, all it takes is lots of barbell training and protein intake over time.