Looking for Info on Laminectomy

Hello All,
Newbie to the forum, as this is my first post.  
Long story short, I have a high level disc herniation at L4-L5.  Done the whole range of normal treatment, going from PT, into spinal injections, (3) and now am scheduled for surgery next Monday.  Started out as a micro-discectomy, however, based upon the updated MRI, Doctor has now changed to Laminectomy, based upon the growing bulge, and the fact that it is now impinging on both left and right nerves....
Bottom line is, I very much trust my Surgeon, Dr.Chen.  Not worried about that part.  But I find myself quite nervous about the procedure.  I have only had one prior surgery, and it was on my knee, and was arthroscopic.  
I guess I am hoping that others that have had the Laminectomy, as well as my fear / nerves, could chime in and maybe walk me thru the process, from pre op to discharge, to home.  Perhaps its just the fear of general anestesia that is bothering me, just don't know.....
I am male, 55 years old.  Hate the thought of being inpatient. The micro would have probably been on an outpatient basis, but obviously, that has all changed......
Thanks for any input you have....

Mike