my old man had it done about a year ago via Bupa.
They are 3 types of replacment, full joint, half joint and a little ball bit. He had the half joint. Before the operation he couldn't use stairs sold the house for a bungalow etc etc
afterwards, he had a lot of pain, lots of swelling for motnhs However we think this is because my dad doenst like to rest. as soon as he could walk he was up decorating etc. If you rest and do the execrcises and physio from day one and dont over tax then your recovery rate is much quicker and better.
He's now retired to spain, spends lots of tie swimming and ither than a slight limp he's fine. When he comes to the UK the damp weather does make it worse.