Lara Spencer, the lively and beloved co-anchor of Good Morning America, has been noticeably absent from the show this week. 

After much speculation, the 55-year-old television host shared the reason for her absence: she recently underwent two significant surgeries on both of her feet. 

Despite the challenges, Spencer remains in high spirits and is already receiving an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues alike.

The Details Behind Lara’s Surgeries

Taking to Instagram, Spencer explained what had led to her surgery and shared an update on her recovery process. 

She posted a picture of herself with her surgeon, Dr. Marty O’Malley, who performed the procedures, and another photo of her bandaged feet secured in medical boots. 

She wrote alongside the images, “If I look a little groggy it’s thanks to this guy who just gave me a new pair of boots (frame 2—wish they were cowboy boots but that will come in about 6 weeks hopefully).”

In her caption, Spencer explained that her right foot required a relatively simple procedure to remove a plate from a previous surgery performed last year. However, the surgery on her left foot was much more complicated and stemmed from a longstanding injury she sustained during her college years.

Spencer revealed that while practicing diving at Pennsylvania State University, she suffered a severe injury while performing a reverse one-and-a-half dive. She struck the diving board, shattering several toes and joints. At the time, medical professionals advised her that the best course of action was to tape the injury and let it heal naturally. She added that she had lived with the pain for years, but thanks to modern advancements in surgery, she was able to get the care she needed today.

“Today there are much better options, thanks to surgeons like Dr. Marty O’Malley at HSS. These boots were made for walkin’,” Spencer shared, referring to her medical boots with a touch of humor.

Support from Fans and Colleagues

Following Spencer’s announcement, her Instagram post was flooded with well wishes from fans and colleagues. Former GMA medical contributor Dr. Jennifer Ashton expressed her amazement at Spencer’s ability to undergo surgery on both feet simultaneously. “Jesus!!! Who does both feet at the same time???? My girl, that’s who! So tough! Sending you speedy love to fast recovery! We’ve got dancing to do!” Ashton wrote in the comments, sending her support.

Other Good Morning America stars, including Rebecca Jarvis, also sent their messages of encouragement. Jarvis wrote, “Sweetie!! Feel better soon,” adding a heart emoji to convey her thoughts.

Spencer’s followers appreciated her strength and positive attitude during such a difficult time, many of them wishing her a quick and smooth recovery.

A History of Health Challenges

Though Spencer is no stranger to the challenges of maintaining an active lifestyle, her recent surgeries add to her history of overcoming health issues. In 2023, she underwent a previous surgery for a torn plantar plate and ligament in her foot, a condition she had been living with for some time.

In addition to her foot surgeries, Spencer also underwent a hip replacement at 47, after being diagnosed with hip dysplasia. She had long ignored the discomfort in her right hip before finally seeking treatment. She was initially hesitant to speak about the surgery, feeling embarrassed because of the misconception that hip replacement is something that only affects older adults. However, after sharing her experience with her audience, Spencer became an advocate for not letting age or embarrassment hold anyone back from addressing their health issues.

Lara’s Active Lifestyle

Despite her health setbacks, Spencer maintains a very active lifestyle. She is an avid tennis player and swimmer, and before making a name for herself in television, she was a highly accomplished athlete. Spencer was on an athletic scholarship for springboard and platform diving at Pennsylvania State University and was nationally ranked as a competitive diver.

Her commitment to staying fit and healthy is a big part of her life, and she continues to engage in physical activities whenever possible. With her strong resilience and positive mindset, it’s clear that Spencer is determined to recover fully from her surgeries and return to work at Good Morning America as soon as she’s able.

Looking Ahead

As Spencer continues to recover, it’s clear that her fans are cheering her on every step of the way. The support from her colleagues and followers is a testament to the warmth and kindness she brings both to her career and her personal life. Spencer’s journey with her foot surgeries serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing health issues early, and her positive attitude is sure to inspire many as she navigates this recovery period.

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