Hey there,
Before having any surgery, it's important to do your research. I found my orthoepedic surgeon online, and chose him based on all of the great reviews by previous patients of his and by meeting with him to discuss my procedure. On the other hand, I also understood that my experience would not necessarily be the same as the experience of the patients posting reviews.
As far as your physician's recommendation; it is just that, a recommendation. My PCP has referred me to numerous physicians but, ultimately, I choose who I want to care for me- You can do the same, responsibly, of course.
Lastly, I see that you referred to Atlanta,which is where I am. There is a Lap-Band seminar on May 14th that I have registered for online through the Lap Band website. The site also has a list of surgeons that are certified through LB to perform the procedure. I have already found two potential surgeons (one a reference from a classmate (T. Duncan;).
Check out the site and let's see what type of information we get from the seminar. I'm sure it will be informative. We can be buddies.
Good Luck.