DDCC--
Hi--I've had four C-sections, two unplanned, two planned, so I thought I could tell you at least what happened with me to give you some idea of what to expect:
This is what happened with my fourth (and one of my planned) C-Sections:
I went in 2 hours before my scheduled time; during those two hours, the nurses did paperwork, the doctor and anesthesiologist both came and talked with me, an IV was started, my body was prepped (gown, shower cap, shaving, etc.). Then I walked into the OR, had a spinal (not epidural), was catheterized, the drape was put up, and my husband was brought into the room.
This last time, I was able to recover with my baby, and nurse him right away. The nurses had me up and walking within ten hours of my surgery (this was rough).
For me, it helped to take my pain meds as often as possible when in the hospital, to eat very healthy and drink lots of water, and to take it very, very easy when I got home. By far, the worst side effect of my C-sections was the constipation afterwards (side effect of the pain meds). Right now, I'm 6 weeks postpartum, and feeling no pain or side effects whatsoever.
I hope this helps answer some of your questions!! Good luck, and congratulations on your summer baby!