Former Miss Colombia, 32, whose leg had to be amputated following surgery complications reveals she 'loves her body just as much as before'

Daniella Alvarez, 32, from Barranquilla, was crowned Miss Colombia 2011-2012
Was in hospital to remove a lump in her abdomen that cut off blood supply to leg
After complications from ischemia it was decided leg needed to be amputated
The Unicef ambassador was treated at the Fundación Cardioinfantil hospital
She shared series of heartwarming photos to her 1.6 million Instagram followers

By EMILY WEBBER FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 12:41 BST, 15 June 2020 | UPDATED: 10:07 BST, 16 June 2020

A former Miss Colombia has told how she 'loves her body as much as before', after having her lower left leg amputated following surgery complications.

Daniella Alvarez, 32, from Barranquilla, Colombia, who was crowned Miss Colombia in 2011 and went on to her represent her country at Miss Universe 2012, shared pictures surrounded by her loved ones on a hospital bed post-surgery.

The Unicef ambassador revealed that she had been in surgery to remove a mass in her abdomen, which resulted in her suffering from ischemia - meaning the blood supply to her left leg had been cut off - and after several operations it was decided it needed to be amputated.

She was treated at the Fundación Cardioinfantil hospital, in the Colombian capital Bogota, and was pictured with her parents, brother, sister and former boyfriend Lenard Vanderaa, after the couple split in March 2019.

The model shared a series of heartwarming photos to her 1.6 million Instagram followers after the amputation captioned: 'I love my body the same as I did before. I am happy to be here in this world to experience the new challenges coming into my life.

Daniella Alvarez, 32, from Barranquilla, Colombia, who was crowned Miss Colombia in 2011, shared a picture on her Instagram with her mother, Zandra Vásquez, kissing her leg

Miss Colombia 2012, Daniella Alvarez Vasquez, is seen being introduced during the 2012 Miss Universe Pageant

The beauty queen revealed how she 'has wings to fly' after having her lower left leg amputated, as she is seen being wheeled out of surgery

'I know that, with the hand of God, I will be able to manage. Feet? Why do I need them if I have wings to fly?'

Footage shows Daniella leaving theatre and raising her arms after the long operation before clasping them together in prayer.

She is then seen wiping her eyes as she thanked hospital staff for the support throughout her surgery.

Daniella told fans that she was admitted to to hospital to remove a lump that had appeared in her abdomen.

Daniella surrounded by her mother, sister, father, brother (left) and former boyfriend Lenard Vanderaa (right), after the couple split in March 2019

Daniella with her brother Ricki Alvarez following surgery on her lower leg leg after complications

The mass had wrapped itself around the model's main aorta artery and she ended up suffering from ischemia, which occurs when there is an inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body, following several operations to remove it, according to Alvarez.

She went on to describe how the 'blood was not arriving' to her lower leg and therefore it needed to be amputated.

The beauty queen said: 'Today I thank the Lord, the Virgin Mary and all of you for always being there for me. My faith, inner peace and optimism come from God.

The businesswoman and TV presenter thanked hospital staff for their support following surgery

Daniella is seen leaving theatre on the hospital bed (left and right). She described how the 'blood was not arriving' to her lower leg and therefore it needed to be amputated

'The coming months will be difficult, but I am sure the best parts of my life are to come.'

The model added that she will have a prosthetic limb in the future to help her continue to 'dance, run, ride my bike, swim, everything I like'.

Alongside her modelling, she also runs a successful online boutique, Daniella Alvarez, which has amassed 69,100 followers on Instagram.

Daniella shared a sweet moment with her father Gustavo Adolfo Alvarez Camera in hospital

HOW DOES ISCHEMIA AFFECT LEGS?
Ischemia is mainly caused by a build-up of plaque in the arteries. Over time the plaque hardens causing them to narrow which slows the blood supply.

It can also be caused by a blood clot which can cause a sudden and serious blockage.

It can cause a number of problems relating to the heart, brain, legs and intestines.

It can affect the legs caused by a build-up of plaque in the arteries of your leg which can cause intense pain, even when resting, and if left untreated, can lead to potential amputation.

Symptoms in legs are:

- Coldness and weakness in legs

- Pain in feet

- Shiny, smooth skin on legs and feet

- Sores that will not heal

- Severe pain even when resting

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