DEAR DR. ROACH: My son-in-law recently was diagnosed with pancreatitis. He used to drink more often, but in the past year he has imbibed only on weekends, socially. The emergency doctor told him to watch his diet, and his general physician gave him medicine for pain and told him to watch his diet. He has lost a lot of weight. My daughter said she noticed that his eyes and skin are getting more jaundiced. My concern is that they are not taking his condition more seriously. Should he at least have been referred to a dietitian? — B.H.

ANSWER: Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, can have many causes, but in those with a history of heavy alcohol use, the alcohol is the most likely cause. Someone with a history of alcoholic pancreatitis should never drink again — not socially, not on weekends, never. The jaundice is likely to represent liver damage.

Weight loss comes about when the pancreas cannot make enough enzymes to digest food, especially fat. The fat then passes through the body, causing diarrhea, which is oily, floats in the toilet and may require several flushes. Pancreatic enzyme replacement can make a dramatic improvement in the ability to digest fats, and in the overall quality of life and ability to gain and maintain weight.

A registered dietician dietitian nutritionist is an ideal choice to help educate your son-in-law about how to eat.