The Wales coach admitted that the operation was not the most pleasant of experiences but that he will stay be able to play a full role as the Lions prepare to face the world champions in their own backyard.
"The doctors seemed happy enough. I don't foresee any problems on the tour" said the 45-year-old.
"Now it's just a case of waiting for the nerves to repair and hopefully I'll get full use of the arm back.
"Things are difficult right now. I'll take a bit longer to get dressed in the mornings and I won't be able to shout as much at the lads. Perhaps I'll just take a mega-phone with me!"
A former All Black and Waikato hooker, Gatland explained that he had experienced regular problems with his arm following his retirement from the playing side of the sport in 1994.
"It was pretty scary because everything happened so quickly," he added.
"I've always suffered some pain and numbness in my arm ever since I retired. But last week the pain just got slowly worse until I lost total use of the arm.
"I had an MRI scan and the specialist told me I needed surgery the next day to avoid any further and permanent damage to the nerves. That was a real shock.
"It was also a concern because there are never any guarantees with spinal surgery. Things like this do put things into perspective."
Gatland's surgery has left him with a three-inch scar in the front of his neck as a result of the need to fuse nerves close to his spine and insert plastic replacement vertebrae.
It won't be affecting his enthusiasm for this summer's tour, however, as he aims to help the Lions return to winning ways.
