Wesley Vissers Talks Recent Hernia Surgery: “One Step Back, Two Steps Forward”

Wesley Vissers is taking a step away from the stage to focus on his long-term improvements. Moreover, the Dutch Classic Physique bodybuilder recently revealed that he underwent a minor hernia surgery as part of his plan to refine his physique. In fact, Wesley Vissers Talks Recent Hernia Surgery: “One Step Back, Two Steps Forward.”

“I had an umbilical hernia. A very small one, but everything went alright. One step back, two steps forward.”

Previously, Vissers stunned the bodybuilding world when he defeated Ramon Dino at the 2024 Arnold Classic. Indeed, that win was considered one of the year’s biggest upsets. However, his momentum slowed at the Olympia, where he dropped in the standings. Furthermore, he returned to Columbus in 2025 to defend his Arnold title but finished in fifth place.

Afterward, in March, Vissers competed at the Detroit Pro and placed second behind Matthew Greggo. Consequently, after that performance, he decided to step away from competition to give himself the time needed to prepare for a stronger comeback in 2026.

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Wesley Vissers Talks Recent Hernia Surgery

Recently, Vissers posted a video discussing his hernia surgery and the recovery process. Additionally, he explained that Steve Weinberger first pointed out the issue months earlier.

“I visited Steve Weinberger back in April in New York. I was posing for him, and one of the first things he said was, ‘do you have a hernia?’ I had no idea. Does it distract from my physique? And he was like ‘maybe a little bit.’”

Physically, standing 6’2” and weighing between 216 and 234 pounds, Vissers has built a physique that commands respect. Furthermore, his combination of height, symmetry, and Classic structure has earned him a strong following in the bodybuilding world. This year, though, he has chosen to focus on recovery and growth rather than competition.

Certainly, Vissers admitted that he will lose some size during his downtime. Still, he believes the sacrifice is worth it if it allows him to compete without the limitations of a hernia.

“The competition phase will be next year. I had a full year basically trying to prepare to be the best possible version I can be… I’m going to lose a little bit of fullness through these rest days. My carbs will be lower. No training, but that is all way worth it to be truly recovered and improved without a hernia there anymore.”

Featured Image – Wesley Vissers Competed in a Hybrid Competition – Credit: @wesleyvissers (Instagram)

Wesley Vissers Career Roster

Year	Contest	Division	Result & Medal	Country
2019	Romania Muscle Fest Pro	Classic Physique	1st 🏅	🇳🇱
2021	Mr. Olympia	Classic Physique	11th	🇳🇱
2022	Mr. Olympia	Classic Physique	13th	🇳🇱
2023	Mr. Olympia	Classic Physique	7th	🇳🇱
2024	Arnold Classic	Classic Physique	1st 🏅	🇳🇱
2024	Mr. Olympia	Classic Physique	6th	🇳🇱
2025	Arnold Classic	Classic Physique	5th	🇳🇱
2025	Detroit Pro	Classic Physique	2nd 🥈	🇳🇱

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Overview

Wesley Vissers had a minor umbilical hernia surgery repaired and called the recovery “one step back, two steps forward.” Moreover, he will accept temporary size loss and lower carbs to ensure full healing. Consequently, he paused competition after a mixed 2024–25 run to focus on rebuilding for 2026. Ultimately, this health-first approach should position him for a stronger and more durable comeback.

Featured Image – Wesley Vissers Talks Recent Hernia Surgery: “One Step Back, Two Steps Forward” – Credit: @WesleyVissers (Instagram)