WLS Post-op Starbucks Survival Guide

Going to coffee was a pre-op treat for me. I was so happy that I didn't have to give up my treat as a post-op. Of course I'm not drinking my pre-op Venti Caramel Macchiato with extra caramel and whipped cream. Even without the extras I was consuming 390 calories, 43 grams of carbs, 39 sugars a pop.

What was I thinking?!?

My current yummy order is a Tall (sometimes Hot, sometimes Iced) Sugar Free Cinnamon Dolce Soy Latte with No Whipped Cream. A much more sensible 130 calories, 17 grams carbs, 13 sugars. FYI: A Latte is espresso, steamed milk, and foam, and is not sweetened in any way unless you ask for syrup or add sugar/sweetener to it.

Starbucks has a lot of choices that are do-able for us. Disclaimer: I know some Dr.'s are anti coffee (can cause ulcers, dehydrate you, kill you.) Stick with your Dr.'s plan but if you are allowed a Cup o' Joe be sure to check out my pal Kylie's blog for a list (scroll to the bottom) of some friendly choices from an actual Starbuck's Barista.

Here's some general info that I think will help the weight loss surgery post-op survive Starbuck's:

* Starbuck's has sugar free syrups (Vanilla, Hazelnut, Caramel, Cinnamon Dolce and Gingerbread) the sugar-free syrups add great flavor and sweetness and contain no calories at all. The regular syrups can easily add 100+ calories to your drink.

* The Skinny on those new "Skinny Lattes" The new Skinny Lattes are made with a default of non-fat milk, the SF Syrup of your choice and no whipped cream. This new terminology did nothing for me since I'm a soy girl!

* Instead of whipped cream which is about 80 calories of fat, add some extra foam to your coffee.

* You can order decaf but decaf doesn't mean it's caffeine free.

* I would steer clear of Frappuccinos even the light ones aren't the greatest choice.

If you must have a frosty drink here's a couple of wls friendly Faux Frappuccinos you can make at home. BTW: you could use regular milk I'm just a soy milk girl.


Shelly's Strawberry Freeze (like Starbuck's Strawberry Creme)

5-6 frozen strawberries
4 oz. vanilla soy milk
4 oz. water
1 oz. Torani Sugar Free Strawberry Syrup
3 large ice cubes
Fat Free Reddi-Wip

Place all of the ingredients in blender, except for the whipped cream. Blend on high speed. Top with Fat Free Reddi-Wip.

If you want to be really good add a scoop of vanilla protein powder before blending.


Shelly's Mocha Freeze (like Starbuck's Mocha Frappuccino)

4 oz. chocolate soy milk
4 oz. water
1 Tablespoon Instant espresso powder (I use Medaglia D'Oro brand)
1 oz. Torani Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup
1 Tablespoon Hershey's Sugar Free Chocolate Syrup
4-5 large ice cubes
Fat Free Reddi-Wip

Place all of the ingredients in blender, except for the whipped cream. Blend on high speed. Top with Fat Free Reddi-Wip.

If you want to be really good add a scoop of chocolate protein powder before blending.


* The dreaded Bakery Case: in the immortal words of Dionne Warwick "Walk on by" there's nothing for us in there. Even the Whole Wheat No Sugar Pumpkin Loaf has 250 calories and 50 carbs. I have picked up a fruit cup on occasion and they have a tasty little package of Nuts and Raisins I will buy and eat in two to three sittings. Everything else is scary.

Edited to add: Lately I've been enjoying the Starbuck's Wrap (egg, feta cheese, roasted tomatoes and spinach on a whole wheat tortilla @ 240 calories, 13 g. protein - $3.25) Good for you Starbuck's. See my review of it here.




This blueberry muffin is sad because it's 430 calories. Please don't eat me!