Most people describe this falling to sleep as a very relaxing and pleasant experience. After you are asleep, your C.R.N.A. will pass a breathing tube into your windpipe to breathe for you while you are asleep. You will not be aware the tube is being placed, and it will be removed after you awaken. You will breathe oxygen and anesthetic gasses to keep you asleep, and you will be given narcotics in your IV to make sure you are comfortable when you wake up. When the surgery is complete you will be taken to the recovery room to be cared for by a nurse.
Regional anesthesia is another option.
This means only a certain area of the body is anesthetised. For example, this could be a spinal block, an epidural block, an axillary block or a bier block. Spinal blocks are very common, and advancements over the past 20 years have significantly decreased the chance of a spinal headache. Spinals are often the optimal choice for seniors, depending on the type of operation being performed. You can eat and drink sooner after surgery and will not feel as sleepy afterward.