When you want to recover deleted text messages from iPhone, you are not allowed to connect your iPhone to computer directly, because iTunes will save the recent data automatically. First of all, you should check whether you have the backup files
iTunes> preferences> devices
all your backup files are listed.
Then click iTunes>preferences> devices "prevent iPhone from syncing automatically." select OK and close the window after checking" don't sync"
Now you can connect iPhone to PC and make the iPhone data recovery based on you have the backup files.
Click the File menu and select Devices > Restore from Back up.

Your provider will probably say they cannot do it. There are some programs out there that can recover lost data, but only if you haven't overwritten the data. For example, if you deleted a message and then got a new message or took a photo, it's possible that the data was overwritten.

I saw a thread where people were saying a deleted text message leaves behind a trace on the phone is there any way I can get this back or do I need to call my provider and ask them to do it? I'm guessing they'll charge me for it.

Any help really appreciated work is going to kill me if I can't get these back...