The CI implantation is only ONE surgery PER ear - if you went bilateral at the same time they would do it the same day, and for those with a sequential bilateral CI it would be a second surgery. I only had my left ear implanted, and so I had only ONE surgery, nothing extra, I was in and out of the hospital the same day. I went into the hospital at 8 am on a Wednesday, had mandatory pre-surgery bloodwork done by 10 am, prepped and sedated for surgery by 11 am, had the surgery at noon, was in the recovery room by 4 pm, and then discharged from the hospital at 8 pm the same day, and was in my bed and comfortable within 45 mins after leaving the hospital (I live 30 minutes away across town), watched movies til I fell asleep. I did not even need a recliner as many CIers advised that we should use one to sleep in - I found I was more comfortable sleeping the usual way in my own bed. I was up and around by Friday, and I even went to the DAW festival on Saturday and was there ALL DAY and I felt just fine. (I have pictures from the DAW festival with the bandages on my head if you want proof) I initially came into the hospital prepared and expecting for a rough recovery as I have read from CI blogs and other research, but was pleasantly surprised at how my surgery and recovery went! I believe I even posted on AD the very same day I had surgery - to briefly let everyone know I was ok and home now and in bed. Of course, how each person goes through the surgery and recovery process varies, not everyone recovers as well as I did or had a rougher time because they went bilateral or their body were different from mine or whatever.
You can read ALL about my CI surgery and experience in the first link in my signature.