You can keep it if you want, make sure to ask beforehand if you want your rib.

If you are having surgery on the left side, Dr. Donahue tells people to eat a really fatty meal the night before surgery so that he can see your lymph tissue easier.


Items that may be helpful:
Bandeau bra with straps a size larger than you would normally wear, so that it is more comfortable and easier to get on post surgery. I only use the strap on my non-surgical side for now, but then will reverse it when I have surgery on the other side.
Dry shampoo/foaming body wash
Chapstick
Check your luggage when you travel, it's worth the $25.00, every penny of it
Your favorite pillow(s)
Increase calories, protein and calcium intake post-surgery to make sure you have the nutrients to heal, maybe a multivitamin

Remind the doctor to sleep well and get plenty of rest the night before your surgery! Tell him to eat a good breakfast too. :)

Thanks to everyone for responding. I had my list of questions ready for the doctor and like Eight mentioned, he patiently answered every one. I'm scheduled for surgery December 2nd and now I have a good idea of what to expect. In addition to the suggested questions, I asked how many incisions to expect and where they would be; what nerve work would be done in addition to the rib resection; pain management post-op; and what possible complications would be worst case scenario. I was pleased with his knowledge and feel pretty confident going into it. Thanks again for your thoughts!

Wow!
U weren't kidding were u !
Too late for me, already had both sides done. I'm sure my dog would of loved the treats!
Then again I think they could of been a great conversational piece on my fireplace mantle!
Haha

Hahaha, I talked about giving it to my dog and my daughter thought I was a sicko. I thought it would be a good way of practicing Zen and becoming one with my dog. Haha, when she wakes up I'll ask her if she will grind it up and bake it into bread to eat in remembrance of me after I die.

Seriously though, on an emotional level having body parts removed has a slightly traumatizing effect on the ego. By the time I am 35, I will have had at least half a million dollars worth of medical treatments. I am beginning to fell obligated to donate by body for medical students to dissect after I die, I would make a great case study. Thus far, I have had 11 surgeries for various things. That's insane.