I have talked to enough people to know that the experience varies from person to person, but it seems that the younger you do it, the faster your recovery will be.
I was 19 when I had mine taken out. From the horror stories my parents told me, I thought I was going to be out of commission for a week. However, the very next day I felt well enough to give an impromptu speech at my old high school. I only experienced mild soreness. I guess I was lucky.
