Valentines Menu

Weight Loss Surgery Patient Friendly

  • Tomato and Mozzarella Salad
  • Baked Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
  • Ranch Style Vegetables
  • Herb and Cheese Mashed Cauliflower
  • Chocolate ENTICE Cream

Tomato & Mozzarella Salad

Ingredients

  • 2 oz reduced fat mozzarella cheese, cut into very thin slices
  • 2 medium tomatoes, cut into ¼” slices
  • 1 TB red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon granulated sugar or the equivalent in artificial sweetener
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Cut sliced cheese into pieces that are about half the size of the tomato slices. On a large plate, alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella cheese. Arrange slices so that the top half of each tomato is not covered with cheese. Mix remaining ingredients, and drizzle over salad, just before serving. Serve at room temperature.

Yields: 4 servings

Nutritional Analysis

Calories 72
Protein 4g
Carbs 5g
Total Fat 4g
Sat Fat 1g
Cholesterol 8mg
Sodium 90mg
Sugars 3g

Adapted from: Quick and Healthy (Volume II), 2nd edition by Brenda J. Ponichtera, RD


Baked Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pork tenderloin
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • ½ cup chopped celery
  • 1 ½ cups fat free, reduced/low sodium chicken broth
  • 6 cups (6 ounces) packages unseasoned stuffing mix
  • ½ teaspoon dried sage
  • ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large saucepan, combine onion, celery, and broth. Simmer, covered, on low until vegetables are soft. Add stuffing mix, sage, thyme, and marjoram. Mix well until blended. Set aside.

Slice pork into ¼” slices. Arrange half of the slices in an 8” x 8” pan that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Top with the stuffing. Place remaining pork slices on stuffing. Sprinkle with remaining seasonings. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes or until pork is no longer pink.

Yields: 6 servings (~2-3 oz per serving)

Nutrition

Calories 211
Protein 21g
Carbs 23g
Total Fat 4g
Sat Fat 0.7g
Cholesterol 43mg
Sodium 274mg
Sugars 1.3g
Fiber 0.7g

Adapted from: Quick and Healthy (Volume II), 2nd edition by Brenda J. Ponichtera, RD


Ranch Style Vegetables

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cauliflower
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • ¾ cup sliced carrots
  • ½ cup sliced celery
  • 1/3 cup chopped onion
  • ¼ teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1 ½ tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fat free (or reduced fat) ranch-style dressing

Directions

Fill a 1 ½ quart casserole or microwave-safe dish with vegetables. Add dill and lemon juice. Follow directions below for microwave or conventional oven.

MICROWAVE OVEN: Cover, venting the lid, and cook on high 5-8 minutes or until vegetables are done to your liking. Be sure to stir vegetables every 2 minutes. Drain. Mix in dressing.

CONVENTIONAL OVEN: Preheat oven to 350 dregrees. Cover and bake 20-30 minutes until vegetables are done to your liking. Drain. Mix in dressing.

Yields: 4 servings (~1/2 cup)

Nutrition

Calories 49
Protein 2g
Carbs g
Total Fat 0g
Sat Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 113mg
Sugars 4g
Fiber 2g

Adapted from: Quick and Healthy (Volume II), 2nd edition by Brenda J. Ponichtera, RD


Herb and Cheese Mashed Cauliflower

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups water
  • 3 cups cauliflower florets (about 1 inch, or 2.5 cm pieces)
  • 2/3 cup nonfat milk
  • ¼ cup nonfat sour cream
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon butter substitute

Directions

In a 2 ½ quart saucepan with a steamer basket, bring the water to a boil. Place the cauliflower in the steamer basket and steam for about 15 minutes, until the cauliflower is very tender throughout. Place the cauliflower in a food processor fitted with a metal S blade and puree until smooth. Add the milk and sour cream and carefully pulse the mixture until smooth. (Pulse the mixture briefly to avoid the liquids splashing out of the processing bowl). Add the salt, white pepper, onion, parsley, and butter substitute and continue pulsating until evenly incorporated. Serve warm as a side dish.

Yields: 4 servings (~1 cup)

Nutrition

Calories 88
Protein 6g
Carbs 14g
Total Fat 2g
Sat Fat 0g
Cholesterol 3mg
Sodium 252mg
Sugars 7g
Fiber 4g

Adapted from: Recipes for Life After Weight Loss Surgery by Margaret M. Furtado, M.S., R.D., L.D.N.


Chocolate ENTICE Cream

Ingredients

  • 2 small (6”-7”) bananas, frozen, at the exact ripeness that you like it
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze (or skim milk)
  • 4 teaspoons natural almond butter (or use 2 tsp natural peanut butter)
  • 4 teaspoons cocoa powder

Directions

Chill unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze (or skim milk) in the freezer for ~1 hour. In a blender, combine all ingredients and process for 3-4 pulses. Mixture will clump up and resemble ice cream.

If you need it sweeter, add some Splenda or Stevia. It makes a smooth and creamy treat that tastes just like ice cream.

Yields: 3 servings (~ ½ cup)

Nutrition

Calories 85
Protein 2.1g
Carbs 18.4g
Total Fat 5g
Sat Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 52mg
Sugars 8.4g
Fiber 3.2g

Adapted from: www.FlourishYourLife.com, monitored by Annessa Chumbley, R.D

More Recipes

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Patient SUCCESS STORIES

See how your neighbors’ lives changed after weight-loss surgery at Rex Bariatric Specialists in Raleigh, Wakefield, Cary, and Garner, NC.

Patient Testimonials

See what our patients are saying and get real testimonials from real patients.

Monica Garcia profile picture
Monica Garcia
October 21, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Dr. Bermudez is a great person; he makes you feel comfortable and valued, and he is always looking for ways to help. Having the surgery was a fantastic decision that completely changed my life for the better.
Miranda Bell profile picture
Miranda Bell
September 22, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Dr. Lindsay Sharpe is the best. His bed side manner is extraordinarily exceptional. He listens to your concerns. His recommendation for the best surgical procedure is geniune and authentically honest. He is detailed oriented ensuring that patients are fully informed and understand the before, during, and after care required; as well as, any risks that could occur, which is typical for any type surgery performed. His professionalism, bedside manner, and dedication to a healthier "you" is outstanding and award winning. He is truly a gifted and talented medical doctor. I feel a higher power than I brought him into my medical journey. Dr. Sharpe my prayers for you are that God continues to keep his hands upon you and bless you beyond your greatest expectations!❤️🙏🏽❤️
Tracy Anderson profile picture
Tracy Anderson
July 29, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Love my doctor but she is leaving. I wish her well in her future endeavors.
Roxanne Peroni profile picture
Roxanne Peroni
May 20, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I am so happy with this office. Doctor Ng was wonderful as is his staff. My surgery went well and I’m so glad I did it.
Nell Nava profile picture
Nell Nava
April 27, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Staff are professional but personable. Wait time is usually pretty good. Doctors and PAs are very knowledgeable.
Heather Bragg profile picture
Heather Bragg
February 18, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Dr. Sharp is amazing! The staff are friendly and very knowledgeable! He takes time to explain and answer any questions… only thing I would change would be the difficulty of getting someone on the phone. I usually result to online scheduling or messaging.
Jessica Rademacher profile picture
Jessica Rademacher
January 26, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Dr sharp is the best . He did my surgery on October 17th 2022 and ever since then I’ve been doing great . He always explains things to me listening to my questions and concerns . He always makes me feel at ease no matter the situation even when I feel I’m doing terrible even though I’m not he always makes encouraging me and saying how proud I should be of myself and how proud he is of me and how great I’m doing. I honestly used to dread going to the dr and getting weighed on the scale now I look forward to when I have to go see Dr sharp and his team they are always so awesome and always patient with me . I lost over 100 lbs since he did my surgery and still working to lose more I’d give Rex bariatric more then five stars if I could . I’d recommend them to anyone looking into bariatric surgery go see Dr Lindsey sharp he is awesome and you won’t regret it . I’m looking forward to to my upcoming appointment with him
Chris Custodio profile picture
Chris Custodio
January 13, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Helped myself & my husband through every step of our journey.
†KEVIN M RODRIGUEZ† († †) profile picture
†KEVIN M RODRIGUEZ† († †)
December 30, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I had my gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Dustin Bermúdez at UNC Rex on July 1st 2025, but my journey with him and his team started back in October 2024. Since then, my life has completely transformed—I’ve lost 150 pounds already & still working out to keep losing more & achieve my goal weight. I feel happier and healthier than ever. Best decision I’ve made! Dr. Bermúdez has been incredible throughout the entire process. He guided me every step of the way, providing the best tools and support to help me achieve not just weight loss, but also a true reconciliation with myself. His professionalism, care, and dedication are unmatched. I also want to thank all the nurses and medical staff who made this surgery such a success. A special thanks to Nurse Natasha (navigator nurse) & Miss Lauren Hawley (nutritionist), both were always attentive and supportive during my entire process. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Bermúdez and the entire UNC Rex Bariatric team for changing my life.
Chris McCarty profile picture
Chris McCarty
November 26, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
My personal experience with Rex Surgical Specialists has been exceptional. I have been treated with professionalism, courtesy, and shown the utmost respect. The staff has gone above and beyond to take care of me before, during surgery, and throughout my aftercare. I have moved forward with leaps and bounds during my recovery due to all of their advice and suggestions to improve my quality of care throughout my recovery period. I would recommend them to anyone looking to take the next step in weight loss and a healthier lifestife.
J. E. Melvin profile picture
J. E. Melvin
September 25, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Dr. Sharp and staff are great.
Tony Sullivan profile picture
Tony Sullivan
September 7, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Fantastic experience all around! Dr. Bermudez was kind, professional, and explained more in 5 minutes than Wayne Memorial Hospital did in 9 days. The office was like clockwork and were always friendly! Definitely recommending everyone that has to have things done Bariatric wise, go see Dr. Bermudez!
Johnssy Ayala profile picture
Johnssy Ayala
August 6, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Great experience and amazing staff!!
Danielle Shevack profile picture
Danielle Shevack
July 9, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Truthfully it's complicated. Nobody goes into surgery cuz of the heart. It's either the money or they want to cut I get it. Communication from the front office and the doctors at the time of the appointment. Phone calls messaging on point, accurate five stars. Prompt, professional and always have the answers and seemingly the solutions. But I'm five surgeries deep & finding that the problem is a constant loop of endless surgeries. Got advice from a third party doctor who quickly reviewed my history but is not a specialist in this field. I scheduled a second opinion with Duke bariatrics later this month and will update according. Again customer service is great and I still have hope, I'm wondering if I'm in too deep And unfortunately my body picked a short straw, or if something was missed or inaccurately performed or whatever down the line. I'll be honest because of the prompt response and amazing customer service and addressing all my concerns including after hours and the complicated patient I've been. I feel guilty about seeking a second opinion but after the doctor explained it in simple terms (four surgeries at the time. Almost a month fresh on my 5th) deserves a second opinion no matter what.) Will update after the review, I understand nobody is 100% perfect and beyond the amount of surgeries and complications including loss of work, income etc. I will say five stars for communication, listening, addressing and seemingly finding a solution. Hopefully I am cracked and that assumption and the second opinion confirms it.
Rishawn Whitley profile picture
Rishawn Whitley
June 23, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Dr sharp is the best...hands down.. Thank you sir!!!
Ashley profile picture
Ashley
April 21, 2025
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If I could give more stars I would! When I tell you DR. Crisp is THE BEST.... I swear by it!!! I was a bit skeptical at first because I couldn't find any reviews on him! However, from day 1 he made me feel comfortable, answered all my questions and explained the bariatric process throughly.Once my check list was completed I was in surgery 2 weeks later and let me tell you, this recovery has been AMAZING! I have heard horror stories about recovery but DR. Crisp and his team are magic!Thankyou Rex for this awesome experience !
FitnessB profile picture
FitnessB
January 13, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I read a review with 2 stars, about malnutrition not enough protein, well my review will stress the importance of the whole process, and the importance the WHOLE staff stresses on post op. Rex Bariactrics is a whole process on food, supplements, exercise, mental health and overall wellness. This is the most comprehensive surgery process and the staff is top notch. I was over 280 pounds and after a year I am now 160 pounds. I did and continue to do exactly what the professionals have taught me. I have never felt so well and physically in the best shape I have ever been. Who was my surgeon- Dr. Bermudez. Dr. Bermudez and his staff are beyond exceptional. I cannot express in words how grateful, thankful and blessed I am to have had Dr. Bermudez has my surgeon, advocate and healthcare professional. His staff is equally amazingly supportive and knowledgeable. I had planned on this surgery years ago and had an inner gut feeling about other surgeons and never proceeded. I could not be where I am today without the jump start and help with Dr. Bermudez staff. Even after a year if I ever contact the office I get a response immediately with correct correspondence. Happy New Year to Dr. Bermudez and his staff, I am forever grateful to have you in my life.
Jesse Duran profile picture
Jesse Duran
January 6, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Review for Rex Bariatrics I have been a patient at Rex Bariatrics, and my experience has been very positive overall. My first impression during check-in and waiting was average, but the technician who took my visuals stood out for being incredibly sweet and sincere. Before meeting the bariatric surgeon, they provide an informative video explaining the procedures they offer, which helps set expectations. My first impression of Dr. Sharp was that he was straightforward and efficient. While they see many patients and time is managed carefully, I never felt rushed. Visiting Rex Bariatrics feels similar to going to the dentist—you already have a problem and are there to fix it. Dr. Sharp gets straight to the point, discussing the procedure you are considering and addressing any risks, which are explained thoroughly in the video. Ultimately, I chose Dr. Sharp to perform my surgery, and I am glad I did. They also provide mandatory nutritional and psychological classes to help with the transition to a healthier lifestyle, which I found invaluable. Trust me, you’ll appreciate the support and guidance they offer. My experience at Rex Hospital was also excellent. The staff were friendly and caring. I stayed overnight for observation and was discharged 24 hours later with everything I needed for recovery. Of course, they make sure you’re ready before discharging you, even if it takes longer. I would highly recommend Rex Bariatrics and Dr. Sharp to my friends. Thank you to the entire team for helping me through this journey!