The best bariatric surgeon in Texas is one who is fellowship-trained, board-certified, and has performed thousands of weight-loss surgeries. By those benchmarks, Dr. Clayton Frenzel and Dr. Brian Holt at BodEvolve Bariatric and Cosmetic Surgery meet all of them. Between them they have performed more than 14,000 weight-loss procedures.
Together they have performed over 14,000 weight-loss procedures across four Texas locations: Dallas, Richardson, Arlington and Texarkana. Dr. Frenzel is one of only a handful of triple board-certified bariatric surgeons in the United States and the only dual fellowship-trained bariatric and cosmetic surgeon in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
How to Choose the Best Bariatric Surgeon in Texas
When evaluating the best bariatric surgeon in Texas, five credentials matter most:
1. Board certification (ABMS or equivalent)
2. Fellowship in metabolic and bariatric surgery
3. Surgical volume of 500+ bariatric procedures
4. Center of Excellence designation (MBSAQIP)
5. Multidisciplinary support team (nutrition, psychology, follow-up)
Dr. Frenzel and Dr. Holt meet all five benchmarks. Ask any surgeon you are considering to confirm each one in writing before you book.
Dr. Clayton Frenzel vs Dr. Brian Holt: At a Glance
| Dr. Clayton Frenzel | Dr. Brian Holt | |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | Triple board-certified | FASMBS, FACS, Board-Certified General Surgery |
| Fellowship | Dual fellowship- bariatric + cosmetic | Masters in Bariatric Surgery, Duke University |
| Specialty Focus | Weight loss + body contouring after surgery | Metabolic conditions, diabetes, hypertension |
| Unique Advantage | Only dual fellowship bariatric + cosmetic surgeon in DFW | Military trauma + minimally invasive background |
| Best For | Patients seeking combined weight loss and cosmetic results | Patients with complex metabolic or medical conditions |
Expert Bariatric Care with Dr. Clayton Frenzel
Dr. Clayton Frenzel leads the surgical team at BodEvolve and brings credentials that very few bariatric surgeons in the country can match. Dr. Frenzel‘s clinical track record, commitment to patient outcomes, and unique dual-specialty training set a standard that patients across Texas consistently recognize.
What Sets Dr. Frenzel Apart:
- Among the only few triple board-certified surgeons in the country.
- The only dual fellowship-trained bariatric and cosmetic surgeon in the DFW area.
- Professional in body contouring after weight loss – an uncommon practice that the majority of bariatric surgeons do not provide.
- Thousands of weight-loss surgeries done in Texas.
Dr. Frenzel’s dual training means patients get surgical precision and a realistic plan for what comes after. He walks through every option, sets expectations that hold up at the two-year mark rather than the two-month mark, and stays involved through follow-up.
Gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, duodenal switch, SADI (Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileostomy), or revision bariatric surgery, Dr. Frenzel’s depth of experience gives patients both confidence going into surgery and outcomes that speak for themselves.
Comprehensive Surgical Expertise with Dr. Brian Holt
Dr. Brian Holt is a board-certified bariatric surgeon and metabolic specialist who focuses on minimally invasive surgery for severe obesity and its related conditions. His approach centers on how weight loss surgery can directly improve conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea and he works closely with multidisciplinary teams to help patients achieve sustainable, long-term results.
Conditions Dr. Holt treats surgically:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Obesity-Related Joint Pain
- Metabolic Syndrome
Dr. Holt earned his medical degree at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and completed his residency at UT Health Science Center in San Antonio. He then pursued advanced bariatric surgery training at Duke University. His years as a military surgeon gave him deep experience in trauma, general surgery, and minimally invasive techniques skills that translate directly to the precision required in bariatric procedures.
Dr. Holt is a Fellow of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (FASMBS), a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), and board-certified in general surgery. He performs Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and SADI-S, using techniques chosen to minimise post-operative pain without compromising the result.
Patients consistently appreciate Dr. Holt’s thorough, evidence-based approach. He’s focused not just on the surgery itself, but on pre- and post-operative education, lifestyle adjustment, and long-term success strategies. His commitment to keeping patients informed at every stage makes the entire process feel supported.
Why BodEvolve Stands Out in Texas Bariatric Care
Credentials are the starting point, not the whole answer. Surgical volume, patient outcomes, the nutrition and psychology support around the procedure, and the quality of long-term follow-up all decide how a patient does at year three. BodEvolve is built around all four.
BodEvolve has additional options of sophisticated bariatric operations such as:
A. Gastric sleeve surgery: A widely used procedure that makes the stomach smaller to restrict the amount of food consumed and the hormone of hunger.
B. Gastric bypass surgery: Has been proven to be quite effective in long-term weight loss and good metabolite effect.Gastric bypass surgery: The strongest long-term option for sustained weight loss, and the procedure with the best evidence for improving type 2 diabetes.
C. SADI procedures and duodenal switch: Suited to patients with a higher starting BMI or more complex metabolic conditions, where a sleeve or bypass alone is unlikely to be enough.
D. Bariatric revision surgery: A second procedure for patients whose earlier weight-loss surgery did not hold, whether from weight regain, complications, or an incomplete result.
Both surgeons operate laparoscopically wherever the case allows. Smaller incisions mean less post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays, and a faster return to normal activity for most patients.
What to Expect at Your First Consultation with the Best Bariatric Surgeons in Texas
A lot of people spend weeks researching the best bariatric surgeons in Texas but have no idea what actually happens once they book that first appointment. It is not a 10-minute chat. It is not a weigh-in and a brochure. At BodEvolve, the first consultation is where your entire surgical journey gets mapped out, and it is a lot more thorough than most patients expect.
Your Medical History Gets a Real Look
Before any procedure is even discussed, the team goes through your labs, your medications, your weight history, and any conditions tied to your weight. Nothing gets skipped because everything matters here.
The Surgeon Tells You What You Actually Need, Not What Is Most Popular
Dr. Frenzel and Dr. Holt do not push one procedure over another. They look at your specific health profile and tell you what makes sense for your body and your goals.
You Find Out About Insurance Before Leaving the Room
Coverage, pre-authorization timelines, self-pay options, all of it gets covered during the consultation so you are not left guessing about costs later.
You Walk Out With a Plan, Not Just a Pamphlet
By the time the consultation ends, you have a full pre-op and post-op roadmap in hand, with timelines and follow-up milestones already laid out.
What the BodEvolve First Consultation Covers
Consultation Step | What It Covers |
| Medical History Review | BMI, comorbidities, current medications, prior surgeries |
Procedure Discussion | Sleeve, bypass, SADI, or revision based on your case |
Surgeon Face Time | Direct conversation with Dr. Frenzel or Dr. Holt |
Insurance Walkthrough | Coverage eligibility and pre-auth process explained |
Nutrition Briefing | What to eat before surgery and what changes after |
| Follow-Up Schedule | Check-ins at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months |
That first appointment is free to book and gives you everything you need to make a confident, informed decision. If you have been putting off reaching out to the best bariatric surgeons in Texas, this is a good place to start.
Choosing the Best Bariatric Surgeon for You
Choosing the right bariatric surgeon comes down to your personal needs, medical history, and long-term goals. Dr. Frenzel and Dr. Holt share a commitment to individualized, evidence-based care and their specialties complement each other. Dr. Frenzel brings advanced surgical training and cosmetic expertise, while Dr. Holt contributes deep metabolic knowledge and a holistic focus on whole-patient health.
Whether you are considering gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or a more complex procedure, seeing both surgeons at BodEvolve means you get two clinical perspectives before you commit to anything.
Serving Patients Across Texas: Expert Bariatric Care Near You
BodEvolve serves patients across Texas from four conveniently located clinics each staffed with the same surgical team and post-operative support standards.
Patients in East Texas can visit our Texarkana clinic, which brings specialist bariatric care to a region where surgical options have historically been limited. The Richardson clinic serves the North Dallas corridor with full pre-operative and follow-up capabilities. Those in the mid-cities area will find our Arlington location equipped for the complete BodEvolve care journey, from initial evaluation through long-term weight management. Our Dallas clinic serves as the primary hub where Dr. Frenzel and Dr. Holt see the highest volume of patients in one of the most well-equipped bariatric facilities in DFW. If you are comparing surgeons in one city rather than across the state, our guide to the best bariatric surgeons in Arlington, TX covers credentials, procedure range, and what to ask at your consultation.
FAQ's
Who is the best bariatric surgeon in Texas?
Dr. Clayton Frenzel is triple board-certified and the only dual fellowship-trained bariatric and cosmetic surgeon in DFW. His partner Dr. Brian Holt is FASMBS and FACS credentialed with deep expertise in metabolic conditions. Together they perform thousands of procedures across four BodEvolve locations in Texas.
Which bariatric surgery has the highest success rate?
Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y) shows the highest long-term success for weight loss and metabolic improvement, including diabetes and hypertension remission. Gastric sleeve is the most commonly performed with strong outcomes for most patients. Your surgeon will recommend the best option based on your BMI and medical history.
Can gastric bypass patients take GLP-1 medications?
Yes, in certain cases. GLP-1s like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) may be prescribed post-surgery for weight regain or insufficient loss. Dosing must be carefully managed by your bariatric surgeon as absorption differs after bypass. Always consult your surgical team before starting any GLP-1.
What can you never do again after gastric bypass surgery?
Patients must permanently avoid NSAIDs, high-sugar foods, carbonated beverages, and excess alcohol. Drinking with meals is also discouraged long-term. These lifelong adjustments prevent complications like dumping syndrome and ulcers while supporting sustained weight loss.
Can insurance cover the cost of bariatric surgery?
How to get insurance to cover revision bariatric surgery is a question we hear often. Most major plans do cover it when specific criteria are met, such as a BMI over 40 or over 35 with a related condition. Our team helps you determine eligibility and navigate the approval process from start to finish.
