A B737-700 flight crew experienced #1 engine surging shortly after takeoff. They ran the procedure; shut down the engine; declared an emergency; and returned to land at their departure airport.

Narrative

My takeoff. At approximately 500-600 FT after landing gear was selected up; a loud banging noise that lasted approximately 3 seconds occurred. My first thought is that we had a blown nose gear tire. Approximately 2-3 seconds later; the banging noise occurred again -- this time with noticeable surging of the #1 engine and associated instruments. I said #1 and the Captain took control of the aircraft. The engine surging stopped for approximately 3 seconds and then returned. The Captain was reducing the #1 thrust lever and the surging and banging was much more pronounced. The 'B' Flight Attendant called forward to report flames/fire coming out of the #1 engine tailpipe. The Captain selected the #1 start lever to cutoff. I reported the emergency to Departure and requested a return to ZZZ. We completed the Engine Limit Surge/Stall checklist; then the Engine Failure/Shutdown checklist. The Captain requested an extended downwind so we could finish all required checklists and to set up for a single engine approach at flaps 15 degrees. The Captain then got on the PA to assure the passengers that all was well and we were returning to ZZZ. I requested that Crash Fire Rescue be notified and we completed the 1-Engine Inoperative checklist. The Captain made an uneventful; IMC; overweight single engine landing on a wet runway; complete with crosswinds. Landing weight was 135;500 LBS. the aircraft handled great; the Captain and the Flight Attendants did a super job. Crash Fire Rescue personnel were also great.