I have a Canon EOS550D kit and a digital idiot, and my own photos are not as good as Apple's mobile phone. . . .

The effect of Canon EOS550D camera can't be worse. Now you think it's not as good as your mobile phone. Is it because of your surgery? This SLR is very heavy. Did you move your hand slightly when shooting? In addition, if you can't master the manual mode well, try shooting with the camera's automatic mode function, and be sure to hold it steady! I believe there will be a satisfactory result!

Your picture above was taken in macro mode. For an entry-level photographer, there is no need to buy a better lens now, just play with the current camera case. You can also try to shoot the above picture with macro, and then you can consider buying a more advanced and suitable lens after your shooting skills improve.