Patient Advocates

Patient Advocates are truly indispensable in the often confusing and convoluted preoperative process. Each patient will have their own patient advocate. They are truly your advocates; they help you navigate the insurance maze, the financial maze, the preoperative medial testing maze. They are experienced working with insurance companies, referral physicians and patients. They are intimately familiar with the program as each one of them are active pre or post operative patients themselves.

Brandy Guevarra, Lead Patient Advocate – Brandy is the lead patient advocate. “I love this job because I believe in the whole program” in fact so much so, she had gastric bypass in May 2007. She feels strongly that the resulting weight loss gave her life back. “I love to help our patients re-find themselves and take control of their life once again. From helping to relieve the early anxiety to seeing the glow on their face 2 to 3 months after operation keeps me continuously energized.” “The only thing I can think of to summarize is – It’s my calling.” When not working, Brandy enjoys multiple activities with her husband and two children.

Tina Straughn – Tina is the newest member of the Patient Advocate team. Tina grew up in Oklahoma and lives in Del City with her two sons. Originally hired as a receptionist, she was quickly promoted to patient advocate. Tina has a personal connection with morbidly obese folks as she is going through the preoperative process herself. Tina works with patients of both surgeons and prides herself on being a compassionate, but diligent “advocate” for the patients of WeightWise.

Jamie England – Jamie resides in her hometown of Edmond with her husband and children. She joined the WeightWise team in 2007. My passion in life is people. That passion is fueled by the many individuals I have come to know through WeightWise, both professionally and personally. I hope I can be a source of insight and support to each of our patients.