Hey, so I've twice had surgery that required general anesthesia. In my experience it was just like you see in the movies where they put a mask over your face and tell you count down from 10 -- you'll probably not even make it to 5 before you're out cold. You'll see a few flashes of light and hear some beeping medical equipment, but it all passes in what feels like seconds. Then you'll awaken to a nurse checking your eyes and they'll say something like, "Hey, good to have you back with us!" As you gradually wake up you'll notice your surroundings have changed since they moved you from the operating room to a recovery room. They'll leave you alone and let you recover from the anesthesia until you're able to walk, at which point they'll help you up and make sure you're steady on your feet.

Following surgery, when you get home, it's VERY IMPORTANT to take your pain meds exactly as described and on time. Initially you won't feel any pain because the anesthesia is still working its magic, so don't you dare fall asleep or whatever without taking your pain meds as directed, or you'll awaken to the most excruciating pain you've ever felt.

Length of recovery depends on what kind of procedure you had, but generally anywhere from a couple weeks to several months for a full recovery.