Patiently Awaiting My Patent

I’m so frustrated with the US Patent Office. I have been calling their hot line for weeks to find out what’s the status of my application. Every time I call the recording keeps telling me Patent Pending. I know these things takes time but I am so anxious to get started with my production company. I have seed money and all things are set to go. I just don’t have my patent. I know I could start now but I really dont want to risk someone copying my ideas. If it’s not patented then I wont have any recourse and they could probably patent it behind my back.