I too was 155 when I was 19. I couldn't put on weight despite my best efforts. Of course things have changed as I've grown older. At the beginning of this year I was 224, my heaviest weight and I did not give birth to any children.

I've struggled with my weight for the past 20 years. This time around I decided to give the ketogenic diet a try. While at first skeptical, I'm now convinced. I'm down to 197 and have more energy and can easily go all day without eating or snacking. I eat bacon, butter, cheese, eggs, steak, leafy greens, avocados, berries, nuts, dark chocolate, bourbon, etc. I tossed out everything that had significant carbs and I really do not miss them. Thee basic principles is that you eat 80% fat, 15% protein, and 5% carbs or 20 grams a day. As a result your body switches to burning fat for fuel instead of carbs. I know people who have reversed their type 2 diabetes and are no longer on insulin and any drugs for that matter. I know of a bariatric surgeon that no longer does the surgery because he has his patients go the ketogenic diet. There is hard science behind it. We were unfortunately deceived by the low fat high carb diet by bad science and business interests. But do not take my word for it, be a good skeptic and do some homework and I think you'll eventually agree with me.

Here are some resources to get you started:

Podcast
[2ketodudes.com] <- this is a great podcast
[ketotalk.com]

Websites
[dietdoctor.com]
[ruled.me]
[ketogenic.com]
[ketoconnect.net]
[zoeharcombe.com]
[facebook.com]

Books
The Obesity Code: [a.co]
THE BIG FAT SURPRISE: Why Butter, Meat & Cheese Belong in a Healthy Diet: [thebigfatsurprise.com]
Keto Clarity: [a.co]

Food
[lowcarbmaven.com]
[ditchthecarbs.com]
50 more recipes: [draxe.com]

Forums
[ketogenicforums.com]
[reddit.com]

Progress Pics: before and after photos
[reddit.com]

Documentarys/Movies
The Magic Pill: [fan-force.com] (it's on Amazon now)

Fat Head:

Carb-loaded:

I hope that yo ufind this information helpful.

yeah, comfort food is my issue to a large extent, sadly age and injury do not help. But I will try again, get well.

I'm battling from 450, if all goes right today, I'll weigh again. Last time was 387, and I've lost some since then...I hope. The key is, IMO, not eating empty calories. Switch to fruit and vegetables with little fat and modest protein. Reduce stress because it makes you want comfort food. Among the longest living people are those who eat a Mediterranean diet. It's natural foods, mostly fruits and vegetables with a little fish or meat sometimes. I think the phytochemicals one gets from fruits and vegetables keep me from being too hungry. Try it for a few weeks to see for yourself. When I eat a multi-colored salad in the evening often I'm not hungry again for 12-16 hours. My wife says she is the same way. Good luck.

Comfort foods is food addiction. More specifically addiction to carbs and sugars which affect the same part of our brain as hardcore drugs do. You should see a therapist that specializes in addiction issues, and you totally have to ditch sugars and carbs.

Which novels?