How lab work keeps your weight-loss plan safe
We use labs and simple tests to understand your health and make sure any treatment is as safe as possible. Here’s what we may check, why, and what to expect.
Why labs matter in medical weight loss
Weight is only one part of your health. Before we start or adjust a plan, we often need to look “under the hood” and see how your body is doing on the inside. Labs and tests help us:
- Look for hidden problems (like diabetes or thyroid issues)
- Make sure your kidneys and liver can handle certain medicines
- See your starting point before treatment
- Watch for side effects and changes over time
Common labs we may order
Examples of what your clinician might check as part of your care.
1. Blood sugar tests
To check for diabetes and pre-diabetes:
- Fasting glucose — blood sugar after not eating for several hours
- A1c — your average blood sugar over the last 2–3 months
2. Cholesterol & fats (lipid panel)
To see how fat moves in your blood — cholesterol (total, LDL, HDL) and triglycerides. These tell us about heart and blood-vessel risk and how weight loss might help.
3. Liver tests
Often part of a CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel). They help us make sure the liver is healthy enough for certain medicines and look for problems like fatty liver.
4. Kidney tests
Part of a BMP or CMP. They help us see if your kidneys can safely handle certain medications and watch for changes over time.
5. Complete blood count (CBC)
To check your blood cells. This can show anemia (low red blood cells), signs of infection or inflammation, and other blood-related issues.
6. Thyroid tests
To see if your thyroid is slow, fast, or normal — commonly TSH. Thyroid problems can affect weight, energy, and mood. If needed, we may suggest your primary care provider or an endocrine specialist.
7. Pregnancy test (when needed)
For people who can become pregnant, we may need a test before starting certain medications or when there’s any chance of pregnancy. Many weight-loss medicines are not safe during pregnancy, so it’s very important we know.
8. Other labs (case by case)
Sometimes we order Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, hormone tests, or other labs based on your history. Your clinician will explain why any extra labs are recommended.
When we do labs
We may recommend labs at different points in your care.
Before starting
To check safety before certain medications.
Soon after starting
To make sure your body is handling a new medicine well.
Once or twice a year
For ongoing monitoring, depending on your health.
Where you get labs done
SendSlim is a telehealth clinic, so we don’t draw blood in our office. Instead, we send lab orders to a local lab, or give you an order form to take to a lab of your choice. You go in person to have your blood drawn, and the lab sends results electronically back to us.
You can usually use a lab that works with your insurance, or ask the lab about cash-pay pricing if you prefer to pay out of pocket.
🕐 Fasting & lab prep
Some tests require fasting before your blood is drawn. If fasting is needed, we’ll tell you clearly. General instructions (if required):
- Don’t eat or drink anything except water for about 8–12 hours before the test
- Take medications as instructed by your clinician
- Drink water so you stay hydrated
Always follow the exact instructions on your lab order — they may differ for certain tests.
Getting your lab results
When your results come in, they’re sent securely to your clinician. We review them, decide if any changes are needed, and share them with you through the patient portal and/or during your next visit. We’ll explain:
- What each important result means, in plain language
- Which numbers we want to improve
- How your plan or medications may change based on the results
If something looks urgent or worrisome, we’ll contact you with next steps.
Other measurements we may use
In addition to blood tests, we may ask you to track your weight (same scale, similar time of day), waist size, blood pressure and heart rate (home cuff, if you have one), and blood sugar readings (if you have diabetes or a monitor). Some patients use a smart scale or other home devices — we’ll tell you if they’re recommended, but they aren’t required for everyone.
Costs & billing for labs
- Lab tests are usually billed by the lab, not by SendSlim Clinic
- We don’t control lab pricing or your insurance coverage
- You may use insurance if the lab accepts it, or ask about cash prices if paying out of pocket
If you’re concerned about cost, let us know — we can talk about which tests are most important and help you ask the lab about pricing options.
Labs don’t replace your primary care provider
Labs and tests at SendSlim support your weight-loss care. We still recommend you keep a regular primary care provider, continue routine checkups, vaccines, and cancer screenings, and follow up with specialists as needed. If we find something outside our weight-loss program, we may advise you to see your primary care provider or a specialist.
Remember: if you ever have severe or sudden symptoms — chest pain, trouble breathing, stroke signs, severe allergic reaction, or thoughts of self-harm — call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Labs and telehealth visits never replace emergency care.
Questions about labs & tests?
Current patients: message us in the portal or ask at your next visit. New patients: start with a visit to see what labs might be right for you.
Start for $49