RestaurantDietitian

As a bariatric dietitian and the Dietitian for Tropical smoothie, I must chime in that it is NOT recommended that people who had surgery (LAP band or bypass or sleeve) to be drinking fruit based smoothies, even sweetend with Splenda. Following a fill, I advise my patients to choose high Protein drinks that have “double digit” levels of protein (> 10 gms per serving) and a “single digit” level of total carbohydrate (<9 gms total carbs per serving). Tropical Smoothie Cafe produces fruit based smoothies that are are made with natural fruit, fruit juice and/or yogurt. These have naturally occurring carbohydrate/sugar and possibly added turbinado sugar. When a customer gets a smoothie with Splenda, they save the calories and carbs from the added turbinado sugar but there is no way of replacing the sugar in fruit or yogurt. If For surgery patients, it is not recommended to have natural fruit smoothies. Tropical Smoothie is aware of this and seeks to provide healthy options for all of their clientele. They are currently working on a high protein, low carb smoothie that would fit the needs of someone who had weight loss surgery.