At the moment you do need to have 'lived as the opposite sex' (whatever that means) for at least 2 years and there do need to be medical reports etc to back it all up in order to get a GRC. However I don't think you need to have actually had any surgery.
If the law changes as is planned though, it will literally be a form to fill out and ta da, you will legally be the opposite sex. Meaning, if you are a man, you will have access to the legal rights and protections of women. Great huh?!