Travel outside US while I-290B is pending

[Jonah]

Hello there, I am thinking of traveling outside US to visit my family. My company filed for my H1b this year, it was picked up and received RFE. The company responded back and it was denied in August-2019 because of a specialty occupation. The company has filed an appeal with I-290B and it has been 50 days since case has been received by USCIS. Currently, I am on my STEM OPT and it is valid until July 2020. I am trying to understand the process and I would really appreciate your help in finding answers to the below questions. 

1) Can I travel outside of US while I-290 is pending? 

2) What if I am outside of the country and I-290 gets approved? Does that mean my H1B is approved and I can only travel back once the stamping is completed? 

 

Thanks,

Jonah