Did you have your surgery in KY? If so, what surgeon?

I miss the 80's-
I think that the point that is trying to be convied is that you need to specifically ask- Will my follow up care be with YOU, my doctor, or will it be with someone else in the practice? How often after surgery will I see YOU, my doctor? You have the right to ask those questions point blank.
   **OHHH the one thing I did keep up was a WLS process journal. Document everyone you talked to at each office with a name and the time. I kept it in a spiral note book and transfered to a binder I could add pamthlets and other info to. That was sooo helpful. You can do it in sections: by doc, phone calls, proceedures whatever helps. I used doctors offices and a section for seminar handouts after the event.
  I am not fond of all of the doctors- but I have to say they have all been informative. So, go see as many seminars as you can. Come to support group and listen to people who seem satisfied with their surgeons and talk to them. 
  Do not settle if you are not comfortable, either talk to them another day ( I know I have off days) or find another office to talk to. 
   Good luck
Teach 

Every surgeon has had a death and if they say otherwise they are lying!!   I did not have the luxury of a surgeon to follow me or a staff to be there for me..I pretty much learned on my own.  One thing I felt was important and that was to listen to my own heart and mind...one thing I don't like to see is any patient under estimating their own success.  It's not the doctor or the staff if you fail and gain the weight back later.  It's how well you take care of you..never give that part of you to anyone else...be your own advocate and stand up for yourself.  As the comments here revealed you will love your doctor if you have no complications  or will dispise him or her if you have complications.  Be comfortable with your doctor and staff..if you feel the need to be followed closely by your surgeon then by all means..chose him for that reason but make sure you also know his skill as a surgeon.  Some folks like me have not had that tie to a surgeon not by choice.  I was however, lucky enough to have met Dr. Sonnanstine and learned from him..but also I would hope he learned from me..as I was a patient who spoke my mind about the surgery..of ups and downs and also of failures and struggles. 
Good luck with your choice in surgeons as well as the surgery...take the time to study and learn all you can about the procedure..take your time to think about you and there is NOTHING wrong with seeking emotional help as well.  I saw a counselor for about 2 yrs after my surgery and was glad I did..she helped me through the emotional changes I went through..I would be seeing her today If I had the time and opportunity..I loved going to counseling even when I had to admit things I didn't want to admit too..did that make sense?  lol
I know I am babbling..I had surgery today and still under the influence..not to mention pain meds.  lol..I am in my room and bored to the point of going crazy!!  lollthought I would check in and as usual can't keep myself from speaking up..
ya'all have a great summer.  ;_)

Thanks everyone for your input.  When I started this process a few short weeks ago, I knew nothing about bariatric surgery or who the surgeons were in this area.  I felt overwhelmed and like my head was spinning, and honestly, I didn't know I would end up having so much control and "say" in this process.  This is a unique experience because what we are doing here is unique.  So, I'm settling down, taking a deep breath, and day by day gathering, collecting and filing the info. I need.  No, I have not picked a surgeon, and yes, every surgeon has had procedures that resulted in someone's death, however, if we educate ourselves thoroughly, we know the potential risks and complications and one of those, unfortunately, can be death.  Anyway, I'm taking my time and understanding that the surgeon must work for me, I'm his employer, not the other way around.

that is right do whats bests for you and when you go to the nortons Sat, ask question and look it up on the web

I went with Dr Oldham and was done at Baptist East in Louisville. Great Dr!!! No matter what other people have said, my experience has been wonderful. Dr O called me at home post op to check on me. When I do follow ups with the NP, she mentions that he ask her for reports on me. So to say they dont care is crazy. For me, I enjoy the Dr's and the after care is perfect. If you need someone to coddle you, then you should see your PCP regularly. Your bariatric Dr sees you at intervals. Side note... every Dr will have good and bad reviews. Every patient is different and expects different things.

As far that Band being jacked, well have you read the complications page on LapBandTalk.com ?!?!? Just saying.

I just wanted to say that Dr. Geller did my surgery and he's been great.  He is very thorough and does his own follow up appointments (no NP), which I prefer.  He always spends as much time as you need with him when you go in for an appointment -- you'll never feel like he's rushing you.

I just had my surgery on July 21st by Dr Dwayne Smith, in Florence KY.  He has been great.  I like his personality.  He has spent as much need as needed with me.  I like his staff and the follow up they do.  I feel I am in great hands.