title: Evaluating the quality of internet information for bariatric surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The internet is frequently used by patients seeking information on bariatric surgery. This study aims to evaluate the quality of this information.
  
  
  METHODS
  The terms 'weight loss'; 'weight loss surgery', 'obesity surgery' and 'bariatric surgery' were searched for in three common search engines. The quality of websites retrieved was assessed with the DISCERN Plus tool.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty websites were assessed. The range of scores was 23-66 out of 80. On average, the quality of websites was of 'poor' to 'fair' quality.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The quality of information is highly variable, and on average of poor, or fair quality. Healthcare professionals should be aware of this when discussing bariatric surgery with patients who have sought information on the internet.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Royal Berkshire Hospital, London Road, Reading, RG1 5AN, UK.
authors.forename: Khalid
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Akbari
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Som
mesh_terms: D050110:Bariatric Surgery; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D007255:Information Services / Q000592:standards*; D020407:Internet