Nate,
I did the modified bi-lateral neck disection on Oct 31 '08...went in wearing Frankenstien neck lugs :), came out with 75 staples, half a face lift and a seven hour nap. The first couple of days were a little rough, just because of what the old bod was put thru. It really went "OK" I was back at work within a week and most all of the soreness was gone by the end of the third week.
Now, unless I show you or you know what to look for, you can't tell what happened.
Hang in there...do what the Dr's tell you, keep it clean and stay away from sick people.

Good luck,