When you file your refund, the first bar you're waiting for is for your "Return to be Received". This only means that the IRS was able to process your return. It has nothing to do with anything other than a system check that your return was valid.
The next bar is "Refund Approved". This means that your tax refund was approved and you should be getting a direct deposit date (or check mailed).
The final bar is "Refund Sent", which means that the IRS has sent your refund by check or direct deposit.