WGRZ Anchor Scott Levin has been off the anchor desk since the November book ended and he doesn't plan on coming back till next year.

Levin underwent "back/spine surgery" about two weeks ago.

Levin confirmed that he had "back/spine surgery." His note illustrated that he hasn't lost his sense of humor.

"Making progress each day, but now that I'm AARP eligible (over 50), stamina is taking longer to return than I thought," wrote Levin on Facebbok. "I plan to be back at work after New Year's when I get clearance from my doctor. Looking forward to getting back to work!"

Levin turned 50 in September, when he signed a new long-term deal with Channel 2. He remains the youngest lead male news anchor in the market.

In a telephone interview after a doctor's appointment this morning, Levin said he suffered an herniated disc after a car accident on Halloween, which was the first night of the November sweeps.

"I decided I'll take one for the Gipper," said Levin in explaining why he delayed surgery until after the sweeps ended. "I don't know how I got through November. It's a blur to me."

Levin added that he was given a shot to reduce the swelling and relieve some of the pain in order to get through the sweeps, but still experienced pain standing and sitting.

His target date for his return is Monday, Jan. 6. His doctor told him today not to rush things.

"He told me I had a whopper of a herniation," said Levin. "He said, 'you really have got to take it easy.'"

Levin might not be recognizable today to some of Channel 2's viewers.

"I grew a beard and I haven't had to use hair gel," he cracked.

H/T Buffalo News